In any case, the problem of off-topic replies is really more a reflection on the forum's lack of threading than any fault of the users.
I agree, but since the forum doesn't yet support threading, it's necessary to enforce on-topicness to keep the forum usable.
Substantial off-topic replies are usually split.
Actually reading back through my (deleted) drunken posts it makes sense - but it would be nice if the forum had some way for posters to post jokes and irrelevant bullshit from time to time (within the thread)