This thread could so be a research topic in many disciplines, especially Communication Studies. Very insightful!
I definitely have found the community aspect of this place soothing. I wish there was more action in the Communication forum, but oh well. I feel The sense of familiarity I get from seeing frequent posters like @goldenstardust11 (word game!) is invaluable especially because though I have a lot of friends familiar with grad school life and this whole process, only a couple actually applied this cycle and you can only talk about your applications with non-applicants so much before their eyes start glazing over....
So hope this place stays alive!!