Just something worth noting: Programming decides who runs what based on a lot of different factors, but I'm pretty sure that who starts threads first in the forums isn't one of them. Everyone is welcome to start their own. We don't encourage duplication, but if different groups are competing for the same idea and don't feel it's possible to work together, the threads should be kept separate.
Also, please note that discussion of off-forum disputes should be kept to a minimum. Everyone is absolutely welcome to try to improve panels by soliciting feedback and participation, throwing out ideas, discussing what they think will make their panel good, etc... but disparaging (or defending) others' panels doesn't accomplish that goal.
(For that matter, I also seriously doubt that it impresses Programming. But that's just my personal opinion.)