I agree that I also don't get a lot of PMs, the occasional random one, I'm also from an area that appears to have no other active members
I love to chat on here, I usually spend way to much time on the forums, and I think once you really get involved in conversations you start to be recognized. I like to go on the off topic forum, there is a good group of recurring posters that I ramble on about random things, also helps to get to know people. I discovered a few people my age too.
Also I asked if anyone was interested in being my pen pal (I'm learning french so I found a french canadian well actually two who were happy to help), we chat about once a month, so I can practice.
But I agree that in areas where there is an option to get together in person, there is a much better bond.
I'll PM you

maybe we can keep messaging back and fourth, I definitely have the gift of gab, or well on here it's the gift of type