This seems like a silly move to me - how much can a forum cost, really, in comparison to other outgoings at Wizards? It seems defeatist and damaging to pull the rug out from under an established community. I met my first gaming group by posting on the WotC forums. I personally only dip my toe in the Wizards forum, normally at the end of a Google search for a specific idea, or guide, but I can't deny that it's a focus for the community and the first place D&D gamers are going to congregate.

What's the alternative D&D forum? Are they ceding that territory to Paizo? Is it Giant in the Playground?* Conversations on Facebook or Twitter aren't moderated, or easily referenced, or as substantive, as forums. If people kick off on the forums about changes on the boards, who cares? People are capable of kicking off on Twitter or Facebook too.

I have an inkling forums are something of a dying media across the board.

* I hope not. This forum has a good atmosphere I wouldn't want diminished.