Seems to me some geographic map of interested HN posters + contact info might slow and even reverse this 'friendship loss'; HN 'friendship dating' if you will.

Seems to me some geographic map of interested HN posters + contact info might slow and even reverse this 'friendship loss'; HN 'friendship dating' if you will. People posting here already would have a lot in common, and even if an ongoing friendship doesn't eventuate it's always interesting and inspiring talking with others in your field of expertise.