It's puzzling me as to what exactly you are saying. The 'front of the site' is always an ongoing process that takes time to build. Back in the seventies there were few prog bands but they were very big ( I don't count fusion as prog) , nowadays as a genre it's much dispersed style wise and there is way more prog than there ever was to listen to. Are you suggesting that the site should just shut down? It's a niche thing and always has been, and we shouldn't worry about whether it competes with RYM as it obviously doesn't.

EDIT: Sorry, I thought you were referring to the Aoty lists. Currently 20 members have submitted their lists, it does not take long to do it.

https://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=132143&PN=11" rel="nofollow - https://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=132143&PN=11

As for retiring the ratings based list, I don't see a reason to do so. First of all, it's just a link to a configuration of the search forum, there's nothing to "retire". The list will accumulate more ratings throughout 2024 and beyond. I have rated more than 200 releases of 2023, but mostly at AP, because that is much more convenient (for me). The "manual" albums of the year lists are a good way to get around the problem of people not rating what they're listening to.

Have a look at the current Aoty 2023 chart based on those lists: https://awesomeprog.com/release-polls/pa/aoty-2023?area=results-pa" rel="nofollow - https://awesomeprog.com/release-polls/pa/aoty-2023?area=results-pa

On the topic of "too few ratings": The number of ratings is not that significant. Go to RYM and look at the top releases lists - you'll find a lot of things you do not agree with. It's not like a thousand ratings will guarantee that the information fits your needs. 

I've been running AwesomeProg (aka ProgFreak) for almost 20 years, and while there's always been few participants and ratings (much fewer than here at PA), I've discovered tons of great artists and releases. It more depends on who submits the ratings (or lists) than on how many there are.

yet i expressed my concern, from time to time, about the fact that, maybe PA was "growing old in a way". A natural curse, enthusiasm of youth, with all those collabs i used to revered, many now retired, from whom i miss the input, and have learned so much from. Not adequately replaced, for sure, with due respect and admiration for those who keep the watch. I've noticed the major center of interest toward new currents "progressively" going from neo prog to metal/hard etc, which is not my thing, saw the balance of overall polls go in accordance. But, yet the main factor of disquietness was that less and less new additions were covered by anything than ratings, less and less comments or, more, these true works of art by themselves that were some of the best reviews i've read here. Again, i wish to say that the keepers of the flame just merit still more of my appreciation. But, here's the fact: to have a review or a comment of new parutions, or, worst, new artists, PA is no more my reference. 

But, for sure, in the end, Prog Archives will always be my Holy Bible, and the only one support on which i feel the need to publish my opinions. With the limits of my native french language (how i would have liked a french version of it, as a quebecois knowing of the origins of this site...

Congratulations on the Dad deal!  My heart swells with joy for men who live the family life.  Old fashion?  Maybe, but the potential for a rewarding life is boundless.