The Lounge is one of the few forums I visit here. I understand there are new forums for specific interests, however when new people join a site like this, they will look for the general discussion area. Here, it is the Lounge.
I don't know how much traffic the others get, and where it may be minor banter here, that is the point. The other forums have a topic, this is the one place open to allow members to joke, vent, discuss, and so on. Interaction by members not posting in the same forum will be here.
I think closing this forum will reduce the number of new participants as it raises the work for entry, and dissatisfy the current membership as it's the open hangout place.