How about a checklist of sorts that would detail information on the types of trips you like to do, difficulty level, preferred areas, fav. hike etc to perhaps give other members an idea of who to hit up either for trips, or to pm with a private question.

Also, would be interesting to have a friend feature... sometimes I can't remember a trip report I want to read but I know the person so I have to search, would also be good to send out a group email to some "friends" about planning a trip. I don't intend to make my suggestion sound too much like a social networking site, but might be useful.

If you want to share that information to facilitate trips with others, just add it in your open profile space. Or in your interests. As for friends, why not just add them to your email?