The only issue I see with any sort of "chat" area is that they have become a bit passe. Also I find instant chatting a bit difficult as many of my mates are elsewhere in the world so are in different time zones. Forums work better as I can keep up with the conversation.
A shoutbox wouldn't be a bad idea, the IRC just doesn't really cut it as its pretty much swept off to the side where no one sees it. Though how the forum is now is just fine, then we can see what is what instead of missing half of the stuff that would just purely be said on a shoutbox.