I used the Google forums quite a bit for the first 2-3 months, then sporadically thereafter. I'm a level 6 contributor myself. I always feel it's a mistake to close a forum, especially by a search/archive specialist such as Google. If it's serving some people then why shut it down? It can't cost that much. Heck, I'll host it myself.
I do agree with Nunya, that the N1 is a nearly ideal phone for early 2010. For early 2011 models, we are going to want support for SDXC cards that provide 256 gigs or more of storage. Front and rear facing cameras, increased internal storage, and better battery life would be my priorities, especially the latter.
I do a lot of flying and the N1 with a Seidio battery pretty much lasts for most of a 5 hour flight. However, in order to use it for another hour after landing, I always carry a fully charged external power source. I use it to top off the phone in flight and for the measly $20 from one of the discount websites, it's the best investment I have made.
I also wouldn't mind an extra millimeter or two of thickness in exchange for a larger battery. Who cares about ultra thin? I'd rather have more power.