I appreciate the need to stream line data or programming.
However the person who has come up with this idea obviously is unaware of the different concept and format of the guild forum and guild chat.
To streamline why not simply move guild forum to the guild chat retaining it's completely different format.
The usage of guild forum is completely different to that of chat. The two are incompatible due to the aspects posed by each of them.
One has editing and tab creation with protocols set by guild founder and moderators. This enables a degree of control and security.
The other has no editing functionality, no tab creation and no control or security. Plus is deleted after however long.
The purpose of (or at least the guilds I've known) the guild forum is more of a notice board and record keeper.
A long time ago I used to be able to write programmes, back when size and space were an issue. We were taught to find ways of utilising the minimum programming. We were also taught the concept of redundancy, modular and object orientated. I say this as I suspect the removal of the forum will have a knock on effect that will see the conversation become a far weightier and top heavy programming nightmare than the space it is intended to free up.
I would urge caution on all the changes suggested for fear of changing the game and the risk of programming errors.
The guild forum is not redundant by any means, and especially utilised by more seasoned players/guilds.
I would also suggest you finish the changes to guild chat/message centre before you even consider removal of guild forum.
Make sure there is the ability to transfer the forum to the message centre first with all it's functionality. (Best to put the horse before the cart.)
But I fear this will not be possible and will result in a U turn (like PvP) with the difference of a vast amount of disgruntled players, ill will and negative feedback.
This may have a serious impact on the profitability and reputation of the game and with players who will vote with their feet.
To streamline and remove redundancy, far better to remove the duplicated chat. There is the world chat, neighbourhood chat and guild chat. The last two are redundant as no one uses them.
There is also redundancy in the two ways of viewing expedition, now that the docks take you to guild expedition, no need to have a button for it, maybe transfer the guild forum to the redundant button currently occupied by expedition!