[Archie Webmaker]

I am looking for a simple very light weight discussion forum plugin/component only with categories,tags and posting form. User/profile link should link to the buddypress profile page and show latest activities in the profile page.

I like vanilla forum but don’t want another profile area/page.

I think this is easy one for developers.
I want to leave Buddypress forums for the users to create their own groups and forums with freedom. Therefore I want another separate forum for some topics/categories.

[leguis]

Try simple press forums http://simple-press.com/ is very usefull and autointegrate your network users. This plugin is not integrate with buddypress groups. You´ll need create the forum index page outside groups.