As someone who had to look after a relatively large vBulletin install (13000 users) for a number of years, I wasn't exactly dazzled by their competence either!
I'd go as far to say that vBulletin is a pile of crap.
I'd go as far to say that vBulletin is a pile of crap.
I've had to deal with the multi-day aftermath of an XSS worm twice. That's when you realise that it's as bad as it is. After that it was "get fucked" and move to phpbb which while is not a stellar product it seems to be put together with a modicum of common sense and has a responsive community and support.
Bit of a "no true scotsman" that one as well. Just because someone doesn't use Zend doesn't mean they write spaghetti.
But you are right; the competition (at least it used to be; haven't needed any forums recently and the last one I made myself) was every far worse.