Well, I'm going to nail my colours to the mast and state I reckon this is a sensible evolution.

Although I can't be sure, I'd strongly suspect that most SSC members found this site because they wanted a question answered rather than venturing into SQL and just wanting a community to join. If I'm right, then the answering of questions should be regarded as one of the most fundamental functions of this site, and anything making it easier to achieve this should be welcomed.

I'd also say that I don't see reconciling the forums and the Ask site is going to be such a quantum leap, so I'm looking forward to it.