You're free to choose what you like, and DPReview users are free to go where they like. Just please don't post disinformation about us.
We did start from an existing forum software system - Misago.
So, selection process: -
We don't intend to be just a forum - so we don't want a stand-alone forum solution - we want something built as an application on a robust web framework.
We want the software to be open source, so we can develop it to our needs, not depend on a supplier to develop it for us (apart for anything, we can't afford that).
We want a framework which has been used in substantial sites.
The one selected was Django, which powers for instance Instagram, Mozilla, National Geographic.
Then we selected for forum systems available.
The criteria were rapidity of install (because we had a short deadline)
Currently still developing and supported (many forums softwares are dormant)
Potential for development
Underlying functionality
None of the existing forum systems can duplicate what DPReviews own software does, which is why we need one that can develop. None of the other sites can change the functionality from what they have now, which is why they can get irritable if asked. We start with something unfamiliar, but have the ability to tailor itto our needs.
No PHP system can provide the development potential and the reliability without continuing support that we needed. In the end the list came down to two, and the one that was packaged for a very quick start was Misago.
In the end it comes down to this - our ambition is greater than yours. Potential users are free to chose whether they want to go somewhere which will always be just forums, or somewhere which will develop into something bigger.