I love phpbb because the possibilities are virtually endless. I love the challenge of fixing mods that were deemed un-usable, or un-compatible with other mods, and making them work and adding them in.
There is just something special about phpbb and I admire the creators of it, and also all of the mod and extension authors out there. I tip my virtual hat to them. You guys rock!!! Thank you for all that you have done and are doing still.
Trying to do a side by side comparison of phpbb to other boards to me is like setting a rusty bike next to a cadillac (phpbb being the cadillac) and then being asked to choose one. It's a no-brainer, I'm always going to choose a Caddy over a rusty bike.
Bottom line is, phpbb is and will always be the best. In my opinion of course. It has the bells and whistles, it's fun, and it's free.