I have an idea as to what is going on but since Mr. Lester hasn't replied it's just an idea.

I think he has everything installed and is just testing things out, and/or troubleshooting the little bugs that probably came up.

I know that whenever I add something new to my forums I do extensive with my forums still live (online).

But with a forum as big as BrainTalk, I'd keep it all offline until it's ready.