I think one problem with the chat channel is it might detract away from the main forum, especially the 'How Do I' section. I tend to do forum searches quite often to find solutions to problems I have, and if I can't find them then I post here and hope someone can help me out.
Given the fact that the easier something is to use, the more 'kids' you're going to have (and I'm barely not a kid anymore) that will fill the chat room with noobie questions and expect answers on how to do X then Y then Z and eventually "How do I make this whole game?"