Hi Carolyn,
Welcome to NANPA. It is true that not too many folks post...yet. Communities like this need to reach a certain "critical mass" before they become the sort of dynamic, engaging community that you were hoping for. It takes a lot of hard work by a few people to keep the occasional visitors coming back until the
active membership reaches that critical mass.
I haven't participated in the critique area, but perhaps I should wander over there and see what I can contribute.
Your statement that [macro] photography has "connected me in a profound way" really hits home with me. I love nature photography because of the way that it helps me reconnect with something that is vital to us all.
I hope you continue to visit the forums and post. Your participation will help us reach that "critical mass."
Keith
www.SpiritofPhotography.com