For sure, it’s all ifs buts and maybes. Al clearly felt the change was needed so the change was made. Personally I haven’t come across Mumsnet in everyday use but the figures they have suggest they, if not the name itself, is recognisable so I assume it was felt this would generate more members. Time will tell.
Plus higher numbers don’t equal a more helpful place, but that is an entirely different kettle of fish and one that is much harder to manage!