I think the service numbers cater more to people who like to costume. So personally, I don't see it as something super important to have, especially since I think we're trying to appeal to all fans, whether they costume, collect or just like the franchise in one capacity or another.

The most important thing to encourage in my opinion is registering to the forums. But you can't force someone to do that. They have to feel inclined to take part based on what we can offer. I know we have a lot of lurking visitors so we need to build up areas of the franchise discussions besides costuming, like literature, gaming, toys, etc.

I think the service numbers can be more than just an aspect of costuming. It's unique to the site and I like that. Even though I don't costume (yet), the number's just a cool thing to have on my profile. It makes me feel like I'm a part of this.

It might require a lot of work and might seem impossible, but maybe dividing The Ready Line into subforums so people can easily find stuff they want would help show there's more than costuming. I start classes this week, but I'd be more than happy to take the time and go through the forum to make a list of threads that would be suitable to put in different subforums (like, as you mentioned, books, gaming, figures, costuming, fanart, fanfiction, and general stuff like some of the random questions I've asked ). That all depends on whether bigbisont or the other mods are interested.

I wouldn't say I am 'the' guy to talk to. Just 'a' guy...but thanks!
As for my own opinions...

-The service numbers are fun and I think it is great when people want them, but I am not sure doing a "drive" to talk people into getting them will help the overall picture. Service number registration alone has not really been a good indicator of how active someone will be on the forum (either as a general topic contributor nor as an event attendee). That said, I do believe someone asking for their service number is a great indication that they want to participate in the hobby at a deeper level. But along those lines, I don't believe going out and convincing someone who otherwise wouldn't want/care for one will result in any increased participation.

-I actually support the breaking up of categories further. Adding sections such as 'Figures, statues, and collectibles', 'Art and Literature (including fan-made)', and dedicated "Costuming" section would make things easier to find if someone was on the hunt for particular types of post, but unsure of key words to use in the 'search' function. On the flip side, I know there are plenty who would feel the site would look too 'busy' (and they might be right). Also what would that leave behind for the 'ready line', the long standing traditional main section of the site? This topic might warrant further discussion.