when did you realize that by checking the: remember me box
when logging in helped or eliminated the problem.
in the beginning you could log on but instantly offline if tried to post.
but now appears to be running smoothly...

I don't buy it. Communications plans are a necessary part to any business endeavor and they don't need to be complex. For instance:

It doesn't take much time to

1) Acknowledge a problem, even if you don't know specifically what causes it.
2) Get a message, even if it's a 30-second phone call, to a designated person who can post the news in a prescribed way for folks to view.
3) If the problem and solution get identified, with or without an estimated time of repair, repeat step #2.
4) If the estimated time of repair needs updating, repeat step #2.
5) If the problem is resolved, repeat step #2.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

That "designated person" in step #2 doesn't need to be a part of the powers-that-be at tribe. It can be a non-technical volunteer. But that person should get AT LEAST a phone call so they can put the word up for everyone else while the technical team is fixing things.