I thought that the original SD.com plan was to de-emphasize the social side,
Actually, no. We aren't a dating site, but we are a social site. You're welcome here if you're looking for a date (you might find it), but you're also welcome here if you aren't looking for a date.
but it appears that is the drawing force that makes this site different than others.
Social is great. Dating is great. We concentrate on fun, very social trips with social interaction between trips. We don't find you dates. We do provide an atmosphere in which you may find your own.