I still remember how aggressive some older SRK members were towards member that joined in 2009. Now it feels kinda like a wasteland, and a lot of character forums seem dead.
A Disney Catoon called Gravity Falls. It's really good.
SRK went into the shitter, and communities moved to Facebook. Those two things killed SRK.
As for the e-sports model, I think a lot of players wouldn't like it because they wouldn't be invited to compete- and ultimately, I don't think FGC is wannabe E-sports. It's wannabe WSOP.
When you think about it, entering Evo and being able to put your money up is the same appeal as entering the WSOP, just without the luck factor that poker brings that gives it a bit of a lottery feel as well. Every year in the WSOP it feels like one random makes it to the final table. Evo the top 8 are usually all name brands, at least in their home country. (That said, WSOP is once a year, FGC is more insular with more relatively popular side events)
If the FGC is looking for inspiration, they are looking in the wrong place with LOL.
Treating the PC as the main "console" I do think is a must to grow as well. Console's only have a limited amount of time left.