one tangible suggestion..
Check the forum descr8ption
Instead of *ask the ladies anything" why not just list the target topics ??
The way it is now makes it seem like it's a place for guys to get women's feedback and perspective on their topics
When really it's your spot
And this might be controversial, but consider blocking all men from posting in the salon..
There can be mingling and chitchat in the random thought thread in TLR so nothing lost
(I kind of remember vbulletin 2 had a way to lock forums by age/gender categories)
Anyway good luck