Meetings normally last about one and a half hours.
Not so daunting.
They would not even be facing the people they were talking to.
Personally I think face to face is better but some people cant get to meetings or are very reserved (The quiet majority) and this would be an ideal environment for them to have a voice.
I think its a great idea and if I was a member of such an organisation my bosses allowing I would jump at the chance to do it
I think it's a shame that you've removed the "who's in" pictures as well..
It's OK to have a separate chat page..
but can't we have the who's online bit up front...?? It makes it all a bit livelier..!