I vote to replace XMB - too flakey and is not supported at all now (hence all the support requests).
If it is not replaced then perhaps it should be removed from the default skin altogether.
I far as I can see, it comes down these php/MySQL based boards:
phpBB (formally phpBB2), InvisionBoard, or YaBBSE.
phpBB is nice if not a little involved. There is something about the way it is marketed that I dont like, but thats just me!
IB has some excellent features (including options to reduce server load & data use) but is even more involved, which is great for some of us that like to play, but not so for others starting out.
YaBBSE has an easy to use interface - ideal for new users to setup and use. It doesn't get as much publicity as the others but I like it.
They all run at about the same speed but this really depends on what features are turned on.
All have community/support forums where like minded poeple hang out discussing problems or coming up with &hacks& to improve the product. The great thing about the community forums is that everyone is basically a beta tester - security and critical fixes are implemented very quickly and anything else is discussed openly.
This is not meant spark debate as to which is better or faster or whatever, I'm just telling it the way I see it. I have tried out virtually every free board available (including the perl based ones) both on local and live servers and these 3 stand out for features, speed, stability and support.
My guess is if the installer is written correctly and all required modules are present on the server you shouldn't need to provide much in the way of support - thats what the community forums can do for you.
What do I use?.. vBulletin
