Hi Susy,
What a great arguement you've presented!
I guess it is all about
context.
If a contributor feels their sketch is best served in the Obs Reports section, then why not present it there? That is where it should go. But if all you want is to present a recent sketch, and a dedicated section best serves
your context, it would be best served in such a section.
Like you said too, "somewhere" there is a thread on sketching tips. If you had no idea there was a following on the topic, you might believe there is no 'pulse' in the artform here on IIS!
And yes, a dedicated place for those sketching threads too! A sticky area for the "how-to", maybe. But, if the section is already about sketching, finding a how-to thread would be a simpler process.
I agree that too many formal and sub forums can be difficult to navigate (look at the cloudy nights site), and Mike and co. do a great job, but like you, I too feel there is further scope for enriching IIS. The site's recent revamp has seen several new formal forums added. I do believe though, there is room and a rich place for an Astronomical Sketching home.