I don't think ALL the subforums are unneccessary, just a few of them. And I'm not assuming, I see it firsthand. Just check out this thread that got moved yesterday:
http://androidforums.com/verizon/207435-verizon-offering-smaller-data-plans-smartphones.html
Jussssst sayin!
First, let me say that I'm sorry this is so long. There is a lot I wanted to say and it took a lot to get it all out there. If you read through the whole post though, I think you'll find it helpful.
While we do understand your point it doesn't change the fact that we do have forums for carriers and manufacturers. The thread you linked to was talking about Verizon so it logically belongs in the Verizon forum. There is nothing we can do to change whether or not people actually visit these other forums though. There are plenty of people that never make it past the lounge or their specific phone forum and probably never will. There isn't anything really wrong with it, but they are missing out on the forum as a whole. How many people know we have a chat room? I personally have no idea, but I know that it doesn't get used that often and it is a shame it doesn't.
This is a really big forum. We have a total of 8 sections with 176 main forums and 154 sub-forums total. While that comes across as a lot to view, it really isn't. Every section of the forum has a forum or sub-forum for everyone. As an example, I have a Samsung Fascinate and there is a forum or sub-forum for me in almost every part of the forum.
~I can go to Android Community to see what people are doing and what new fun things are going on. I can talk about my favorite Hockey team, the new book I'm reading, the TV show or movie I watched last night as well as the current events.
~I can head over to Android Discussion and look at Android news, talk about Android in the lounge, complain that I don't have 2.2 yet, see what apps people are raving about or having trouble with, find out about new games, look at new wallpaper and icons or see what people are doing with music and video.
~I can go to Android Phones and check out any of the Galaxy S forums to see what is going on with problems and solutions. There I can look at sub-forums for accessories, rooting, trouble shooting, learn about new tricks or just sing the praises of my phone.
~I can go to Android development and see what people are working on with apps and roms.
~I can go to Other Android Devices and learn more about Google TV, tablets or any other devices coming in the future with out beloved OS involved.
~I can go to Manufacturers and check out what people are talking about Samsung as a whole or look into one of the other companies to see how people feel about their build quality for my future phones.
~I can go to Android Carriers to learn about new events with Verizon or any other carrier I may be interested in in the future.
~I can also come her to see what people are talking about wanting or not wanting with the forum.
As I said before, it is a big forum and there is a lot to see. If people choose not to see it, that is on them. We can't make someone go to a specific forum anymore than we can make someone learn more about there device. We can only offer the place to do such things and keep things in the places they should be so that everyone can find it.