I've basically had the same experience as you all. I joined FeralHeart just to play the game, but I wanted to do more. So after I returend this year, I gave the forums a try and now I just can't get away from it.
I'd say yes it has.
I've met some people whom become family to me. I've made some mistakes that I learn from and I've seen the change of old members leaving and newer ones coming in. I've been apart of the community for roughly two years and I come back and fourth on here. And I think it did change my life for the better.