So many have given so much to XI over the years but there is a smaller group of folks who have lived and breathed this clan almost since its inception, members whose contributions are simply incalculable. They include folks like Johnny and Dirk, and Beers and - well, they know who they are. As djMot so nicely put it, their personalities were the glue that held various bands of brothers in various games together. In Johnny's case, as the COD5 players' "resolution" suggested, we don't miss just another member in game, we missed HIM. It is not the same game without Johnny, who is one of the nicest people you can possibly know. He has always had a genuine interest in the health and welfare of every one of the regulars on COD5, always asking about them, always ready to offer support.
There ought to be a special place in XI for people like that - some recognition of all they have done for and meant to the members of this clan. I know they'd reject this notion because they see themselves as no different from any of us. But they are different; they have gone above and beyond; they are the foundation upon which XI was built and we don't want to see them fade from our view.
Maybe there needs to be a special class of membership for folks like this, perhaps an emeritus status or some designation that shows our continuing affection and respect for them. They've sure earned it!