[e12e]

> I think the real problem is that the vast majority of on topic questions have already been asked.

I think this is mostly a problem in so far as answers aren't updated. I'd say that for most "well formed" question belonging on SO that was answered correctly years ago -- most of those answers might no longer be entirely correct and/or the questions themselves might "block" newer (up to date) formulations of the same question.

Things like new versions of compilers, libraries, programming languages, kernel/drivers (and accompanying new hardware) shifts previously correct answers (and "correct" questions) into not-quite-correct-anymore -- but still "too similar" for opening up new questions.

And as questions cease, so does answers, which means the community dissipates/moves on -- and SO becomes irrelevant again. That I think is the danger.

[danielweber]

I have experienced this. Asking questions about a new version of something, and having it closed with a pointed to a prior version of things that explicitly does not work any more.

[davidism]

Then edit your question to acknowledge the "duplicate" and clearly explain why your question is different. It will automatically go into a Reopen Queue where users will evaluate it and vote to reopen. The system's not perfect, so if it still doesn't get reopened, open a discussion on meta.