Now I know this would likely be an extra expenditure but why not just let this forum live whilst the new forum... er... forms. Then eventually close THIS forum to NEW threads but NOT new posts on old threads.
Then... and only then, once us change hating curmudgeons have been acclimated to our new terrarium this forum gets locked for good.
You know... like getting into an ultra hot bath. Things get extemely unpleasant halfway through if you don't eeeease into it.
/sensitive [REDACTED]s