Can't understand why you wouldn't upgrade. The only reason The Viper Files is still using IPB 2.3.6 is because I'm no longer part of it and haven't being for quiet some time.

The Viper Files used to get huge amounts of organic traffic which was all from the USA as it was fairly well optimised in it's day but things have moved on but the site hasn't. As a result it's feeling the consequences and traffic has all but disappeared.

A lot of the modifications on that site were by me and another staff member. We've both long gone and the remaining admin just doesn't have the skill to upgrade it.

Upgrading from IPB 2 to IPB 3 is a lot of work but it's well worth it and will be the biggest upgrade you do as all future upgrades will be a lot easier.

In my opinion you have to either now bite the bullet and upgrade or watch your site slowly fade away over time. Things change, people change, preferences change. Don't get left behind.