You know, I don't think Facebook is a horrible idea, but I'm wondering if that's the direction to go for the forum? This was all started as a sort of haven, where friends could hang out and feel comfortable. Friends invited their friends..... who invited their friends. Unfortunately, that doesn't always work and sometimes more drift off than drift in.
While facebook would be useful to boost the membership, I'm thinking that we'd end up with too much screening, as pooper mentioned. Sort of like a Pandora's box, once it's opened..... Might be more headaches than it's worth, but who am I to say?