I am actually in version 1.3 of that 'site of my dreams' now.
It's been a long time in planning, and I am just now getting around to it with some free time. I have been happy on the first stages of roll out. There have been some things that we've had to change to make it simpler, and added in more automation via CRON jobs.
As, well we've added in ways for more user content to keep it fresh and encourage it. Plus we built it modular to update over time. Integrating social networking, email, feeds, with many other things all in one place.
Over time, we will build in the user based chat and cams as well. It is a long project, and probably going to be around $20,000.00 by the time it's all said and done. However, this site is build to evolve for whatever curve balls come next.
