The thread may still be recoverable, it's probably still in the database, but needs some expert SQL poking to retrieve. Seen it before.
BTW, I'm a gliderpilot, and the importance of a constant lookout is drilled into us. We also have the benefit of excellent visibility from our cockpits with no pillars for other aircraft to hide behind. Never hurts to say it again -- an effective, constant horizon scan can be vital, especially in areas where aircraft congregate.
There's also the Flarm system which is very popular in Europe, but not so much in the UK. I hope that changes; it's no replacement for a lookout, but as someone testing Flarm once said, "it's the one you don't see that matters".