An interesting thought Greg and perhaps it would suit some members?
But I'm with Doc, Nathan and Tim on this one.
I also check in am & pm & sometimes through the day for replies and unread posts.
I'm also a slow typer.
Any info being passed through a Chat Room would be missed by the other forum members; and that would be a shame.
I fear the vast array of quality info, gossip, trivia and general chat would be diluted.
I suppose the PMs could be utilised for private off-thread chat.