Ok....incoming female perspective! A bit late to the party but never mind.
I think that too much tinkering around the edges of the forum would possibly change the flow and spontaneity which is interesting, and often downright hilarious, and makes this so different from others. I don't post on anything else (and not that often on here) but have seen on many other sites almost every post descending into f ing and blinding in a very short time. The level of member moderation on here is a light touch and seems to be pretty much all that's needed and I think that shows the general respect that everyone has, and what is there already is what new people will follow.
I wouldn't think that newbies are being put off by some of the content as surely they, as I did, will have been following the forum for a bit and know what to expect before they register. My son was apprehensive when I said I was going to join as he thought that I would just get a load of abuse for being a woman on a 'male' orientated site, and others have said the same, but I've found nothing of the sort, although having said that, members, other than the ones I've met at shows, would not know from my posting name one way or the other. I don't 'refrain' from posting because I'm made to feel that I shouldn't because of my gender, I post if I have something I can help with or need advice. I could, if you really, really want, start posts about nails, handbags, shoes, cute kittens.......
. I can just tell that that would run and run!
I have no problem with the pics of scantily clad young ladies - sometimes a bit near the mark? Maybe that's because, as RoaryRati says above, I work in a male dominated industry and am no delicate flower because of it. The impression I get from the pictures and the banter is that there is no malice behind it and it's all done tongue-in-cheek, if you don't like it don't look. The younger generation may not be so tolerant but I have a job to get offended by much on here.
There's enough car stuff and a good mix of other topics, and it surely cannot be bad that people feel able to open up about all sorts of things and receive support and encouragement. The over riding impression is one of helpfulness, humour and great knowledge. The End!