1. No plans for a forum. I don't think I have the user base to support one. What would you expect from having a forum?
2. I update daily. I go through the items that received the most requests to update and update them, I also go through the most downloaded items and try to keep them up to date. I also update when people call me out on items, like GeoDirectory. I'll get those updated.
The "request update" feature sets a counter in my database tracking how many people requested updates. If you're the only one requesting an update for an item it might be a while before it gets updated, especially if you're the only one using it. The reason is, I have hundreds of plugins and themes with 1 update request and so many are on items that are not supported, already at their latest version, mistakenly clicked on, or whatever reason. Updates can be slow, as for any gpl site, so if you need to have the latest and greatest for mission critical websites then you should consider purchasing valid licenses.
Sure, let me know your gplclelar name and I'll create one.