yes, if you don't (or didn't) actually use the general chat then of course it's better for you now it's hidden.
The call for games and pleas for setting up premium games is a bit annoying, but it was fairly easy to filter it out. In general it's a bit like being in a public bar, you personally only want to hear the conversion you're having but the background noise adds to the atmosphere and is one of the only free hang-out places on the site you get to interact (even if it's only reading) with the wider community of board game players around the world.
I guess BGA are going for more a concentrated gaming experience rather than a chatty community spirit kind of vibe.
The call for games and pleas for setting up premium games is a bit annoying, but it was fairly easy to filter it out. In general it's a bit like being in a public bar, you personally only want to hear the conversion you're having but the background noise adds to the atmosphere and is one of the only free hang-out places on the site you get to interact (even if it's only reading) with the wider community of board game players around the world.
I guess BGA are going for more a concentrated gaming experience rather than a chatty community spirit kind of vibe.