Whether users have the ability to set prefixes has to be discussed more. When we first discussed prefixes, quite a bit before the OD/ODD split discussion we're having now, we initially went along with the idea that they would be mod assigned, at least for a bit of time right after implementation.
the only issue with this is that OD is a high-traffic forum, and having it to where moderators set prefixes would turn whats already a lot of work into even more, and possibly it would be the same as if new threads had to be approved by moderators (to set the prefix), which would drastically slow down the forum. the idea of having new threads require moderator approval was tossed around a few times years ago, to increase the quality of threads and get rid of all reposts and questions that could easily be answered by utfse, but it was always deemed more trouble and work than it was worth.
OD is fine they way it is but if I am in the minority on that opinion than the answer is not to split OD but to add more moderators, or create Jr. Mod. position that would give Jr. Mods the ability to move post to DB and whatever else is necessary but nothing more (I don't see why they would need a new title although I think for a title is a good idea because it would lighten the workload of upper level mods). There could be strict rules on if/what they could handle and what they must relay and to whom. Basically the position would filter out a lot of noise. Or the current mods could be more trigger happy
the mods definitely need to be more 'trigger happy' to increase the quality of the forum. except its sometimes difficult to do this while staying "nice." staying respectful is easy, but the current od crew seems to be waaay too nice. but really, that has nothing to do with whether or not the forum needs to be split...
i'm actually kind of shocked that there's 5 active moderators for OD; 4 was always plenty, and we even got by at times with 3, so with how things are now, there are more than enough moderators.
however if more people were needed to help out, especially in the event that moderators have to set prefixes, perhaps the "Bluelight Crew", particularly former OD mods, could volunteer to do this and to help in any way they can.
one last thing: perhaps there should be a poll to find out, if OD is split, how many people will only visit one of the two new forums, instead of both. i'm not the only person who thinks that a lot of knowledgeable people will only visit one or the other, but when i brought this up, i was quickly told "there's no proof of that [so stfu and stop speaking for anyone but yourself]." since neither side of this specific point has any hard data, i believe a poll would be useful to further establishing the pros/cons of a split
i do realize it might be pointless to post this here, because the issue will be brought up and discussed in Support, but its easier to just get my thoughts/suggestions out here, now, and then repost them in the new thread once it is created in Support... or if this one just gets sent there then i've already got it posted...