I never got it back, and refuse to create a permanent new one because I, like you, posted for many years and am not willing to let that happen again.  I did not post a bitcoin address, because do not want any links between bitcointalk and a wallet.  I don't understand how this is the ony forum in the world that requires a bitcoin address to recover an identity.  Seems the only way to prevent it is to not use bitcointalk.  If bitcointalk comes out with new version that provides some protection from email address change, I'll reconsider using Bitcointalk.   

Other than Reddit, anyone have any recommendations for a good bitcoin place to talk?  If we don't get a good board where with better identity protection, I'll create one.