Too bad we can't burn the old forum onto a disc and distibute for a fee to old/new forum members..

There was a lot of good misc tid-bits here and there.
not so simple. everything is stuck inside a MySql database which inturn is spread across a bunch of tables. so you'd need to install MySql then either write your own queries, or install the forum software on your PC followed by a local internet server that supports PHP.
or, you could wait for me to import the database. i've loaded it up on my PC and am in the process of porting it. SMF provides a conversion tool, but you have to use it when the forum is created. some further digging might find an anytime-conversion tool.
in a few weeks I'll ask BK to create an archive section and i'll see if I can upload the old threads there.