I get your point, but i think i really could make things work with a subforum (I've been thinking this through).
Generally i'l have two main threads.
A Requests thread only for posting requests, accepting/rejecting, me discussing the request with the person requesting, and for posting the finished request.
Then there'l be the Discussion thread where all the guys that hang around can talk all they want, and i'l also post the finished requests there so that people can comment (this thread will be the discussion thread).
Another thing that i've considered doing is having some threads where i show the sigmaking process of certain sigs that i'd like to share with you guys, and some threads where i answer bladetitan or sig-related questions.
Basically i'd be able to do all kinds of shit.

[APPLY AUSTRALIAN ACCENT HERE]
Possibilities, mate!
Also, the only other long-term solution i have to the off-topic issue is having another thread in the off-topic forum, which would suck.
And we have to remember that WE DONT EVEN KNOW IF WE'RE GETTING A SUB-FORUM YET. :/
Dont get too hyped, and please dont be surprised/angry/something equally irrational if the mods just say no.