Theymos wants the new forum software tested for security flaws. I think this is the primary hold up.
This shouldn't take 9 years...
Actually yes 9 years is a lot of time even for testing, Maybe theymos hasn't made up his mind as to if there should be a new forum.
This forum is already meeting all the needs of the users, most likely new forum will be for aesthetics to adapt to the needs of a new generation that sees eye candy first and information provided later.
Some questions - Will the new forum replace the current forum, Will it share the database of this forum?