I do think forums have a lot to offer and I dont necessarily believe that they have been superseded by superior platforms (it isnt like DVDs and VCRs). As you said, the concept of community tied into the anonymity of a forum is something you just dont get elsewhere. Unfortunately, the diversification of social media has kind of drowned forums out. Forums just arent fashionable anymore, they are seen as being for niche topics and older people.
That being said, as with all old technologies, the hipsters will at some point make it cool again.