Concerning the whole forum vs. list question...

The same information is gathered in both, the only big difference is in 
organization.

You could divide the forums into several general sections with subsections:

General
	Basic Information (usually several stickies)
	Read This First (stickies again)	
	Announcements
	Feature Requests

Software
	Installation
	Configuration
	Troubleshooting
	Rules/Filters Help
		
Hardware
	Motherboards/SBCs
	Enclosures
	Wireless
	Ethernet
	Known Problematic Hardware
	Reviews

Development (protected and hidden, for development staff)
	(I'm not a developer, don't know what you'd need)

I find the structure of the forum method much easier to glean 
information from.  When searching for something I can search individual 
forums, narrowing my returns.  If I finally get my hardware in line I 
can just pay more attention to the Software forum, etc.

I think the forum structure, as a by product, also makes website 
maintenance easier.  When I new version comes out, just put a quick 
annoumcement on the main index page and link to a forum post in the 
Announcements forum.  Less muss and fuss with the website.

In the end it's a matter of user preference....personally I think a 
forum just provides more structure.
	
-Keith