Reading the above makes me think the article/feature section does not get viewed much; would moving it entirely make it worse? I only usually look at three-- articles, general and coarse; occasionally something else catches my eye. Mainly because if I used more I would forget were or if I posted something half the time being 60% senile; or is it 99%- I forget these days.
Sometimes I think if it was all on one section with a main heading Article, General, Sea, Fly, Barbel, Carp etc followed by the sub title it would all get a better reading. When you start a new thread you have to choose a main title from a drop down menu first (Article, General, Sea, Fly, Barbel, Carp etc) then add your sub title-Then everyone is likely to spot something they would participate in.
Another way would be for the different articles and features be advertised in the general and coarse sections with the title and a brief description followed by a direct link to the said feature or article. This might engender a greater participation as quite a few say they don't click open the article/feature section unless its mentioned in one of the main forums.
Although I think the first suggestion might work better-one page with everything on it or maybe two or three just covering some big themes with a drop down menu when you start a new thread which would become the main title..
Generally I would say its all spread a bit too much as it is and less may be better, not more.