This became clear to me on my last run.
letsrun has an image problem. That much is undeniable. Whether or not LRC admin thinks this is legitimate, it exists. That is the nature of an image problem - it isn't an admin decision. Two main paths I see:
a) Actually solve the image problem. Do what is necessary so the increasingly loud voices stop being so loud. Why do they have so much ammunition and enjoy so much support? This is the PR path employed by most companies.
b) Do what is necessary to keep the heat off, while still rolling their eyes at the source of the criticism. Basically, as opposed to trying to eradicate the problem itself, this approach focuses on getting people off their back. A spot-treatment instead of a deep-clean of the whole carpet.
I see a whole lot of option b here. And that's because, if option A were selected, the site might change from the way admin wants it to be. Which is totally allowed, but the fate of the forum rests in the balance. I could see LRC going on without the forum. And without a real comprehensive treatment, that's where we are headed. And the knuckleheads who maintain there isn't a problem can post right about it here, right until the forum goes offline.