I have been watching this discussion and I would like to offer a suggestion. The public component in ICANN has long seemed to be somewhat (perhaps more than merely "somewhat") dependent upon the largess, staff, and process of ICANN. That dependency may affect (perhaps in subtle ways) the independence of the public sector within ICANN. Might I suggest that in any decisions that are made about mechanism for discussion and technical support that the question be clearly asked (and answered) "Does this choice increase or reduce our dependence upon ICANN (or ISOC or any other body)? This independence probably will not come for free - there will probably be costs in terms of money and time for acquisition, operation, and management. That suggests that there may be a need to develop some form of funding and staffing (perhaps part time) that is not under any outside control. That may be be a big step, but after listening to the public voice in ICANN and internet affairs for more than 25 years, it seems that these kinds of changes may increase the strength of that voice within internet affairs. --karl--