THR was BOUGHT by Derek. Oleg didn't lose it.
I'm guessing the situation was that Derek and his lawyers knew Oleg would most likely win due to the broad facts of the case, and Oleg knew that Derek and his lawyers could drag it out way longer than it was worth it to fight.
IMO, whatever Oleg with GRM will probably outshine the old THR in the long run, because it's his photography, and visiblity from a-human-right.com etc. that draws people over.
And I do think the idea of a forum that specializes more in activism and pro-RKBA politics and the "war of public opinion" is a good one. There's already a ton of forums organized around the various technical and collecting aspects.
Being unique and finding a niche is important. Aside from the open carry/CCW boards etc. which specialize in mainly well... "carry", I don't think there's any forum dedicated to RKBA.