Shoutbox lags, doesn't have pms, doesn't have good enforcement options, doesn't allow for any customization (custom pings etc) and other things that irc can do. It sucks. The only reason it was worthwhile over irc was because it can be accessed with 1 click, which is now dealt with for the irc channel.
The old 8wayrun irc server was terrible. Netsplits all day. We chose a new server that is known to be stable and has better features. If you want perma protected status in the channel ask Partisan to give it to you Jaxel. Purist made the channel because I was too lazy to do it myself, and then he handed over founder to Partisan as soon as he came into the channel.
We aren't doing this out of spite.
[edit] It has nothing to do with you being in power over the channel, even if Purist says it to make you mad. It is because irc is the better option. You are extremely stubborn so there was absolutely no point approaching you about this. Even when presented with a better option you will fight to the death to have it your way.