VVhip
Given that many other forums, most of the styles you suggested aren't really applicable, like Word Games, or Chatterbox, for example. But it's nice to consider what works best for each forum, too!
The discussion forums are probably best suited to some of the longer form OP styles, though they often do appear in question or anecdote format.
I kind of think the best topic is one that attempts to blend a few styles. Such as including questions that are relevant to the discussion within the OP or at the end, and keeping the discussion reasonably brief. If one wishes to state one's own opinion or experience in a topic, it is better to discuss that as it comes up within the topic rather than bog the OP down with your own answers to the discussion points you're raising. It then begins to feel like a journal post rather than something the OP wishes to explore.
At least, keep the anecdotes and personal opinions brief in the OP, and only include them if they add weight to your discussion points.
Not that I'd know s**t, I never make topics.
I do agree that hybrids are the best. They sort of bring people in more.
I do somewhat agree with you also in what you said about saving the opinion. That could work or not work. It comes down to time, and if you had a good opinion in the first place. With time it, that all depends on how much the person who posted will invest in a topic. If you this topic as an example: Here, I am being the chatty host. Not all people are that invested. Sometimes I wonder what one should expect from a thread. At the best of times it's insight and other perspectives. At the worst of times it's a conceited need for page counts. OPer intentions is another topic, sorry.
With an opinion, what if your thread is wrong or you change your mind. Maybe someone has convinced you down the line of something else then your not as sure. It's a positive thing actually but that can leave you with less to say. Also, you kind of want it so that other people are engaging in conversation and not replying always to the OPer. Well, in an ideal situation. Not this situation, I am afraid. xD
For certain topics styles, personal stories/one-on-one is good in a forum with people share vested interest. Or the forum subject has it's on community feel offline. Like the anime community and the football community... fan type communities.
Anecdote boy, sometimes your words are just to fancy for me. lol/cry/lol