Re: I gave buddypress a try
“I really do like WordPress/Buddypress, I am just unable to structure the forums in buddypress in a true forum layout.”
If you’re just looking for a forum, then look at bbpress or any other forum package. BuddyPress has its focus on the social networking aspects. the forums area are minimized on purpose.
It sounds like you want a just a forum, not BuddyPress.