I think a larger factor in the women leaving was the emergence of social networks (facebook, twitter, etc) - not saying thats the only reason, but I reckon its a fair part
I don't actually think pou is just a troll - alot of his posts are fair enough opinions - just often entirely optimistic when the the general mood of the topic is the opposite ... so what? nothing to die over ... even if he's saying it just to be the opposite, so what
back in the early days I couldn't stand pou ... but I've mellowed and think he's a smart, funny, footy-wise merkin (I think he's mellowed a bit too) - and I like him posting here - makes things interesting