hey now, sparky, easy.What I would've done is created a thread going "hey, guys, has anyone heard from Buzz" - someone might have his email.
Furthermore, I don't think it much matters how long you've been on a board - rezing an old thread is still not exactly the most tactful thing to do.
Further Furthermore, if length of enrollment is really important to you, note this: I signed up a full month before you and have posted eleven hundred times more than you.
Further Further Furthermore, if you MUST post in a dead horse thread why not go "hey, I know its bad form to bump a thread this old, but has anyone heard from Buzz? I can't seem to get in touch with him" instead of going "hey-hey, buzz, man, whats good?" as if continuing with the old conversation like it was brand new, thus confusing anyone who came into it and went "MY GOD, THERES A NEW YAMOTO OUT?!?" (like i did, lol)