I have been here for almost a year I am happy to say that I have never come across a need for this feature.
There was a period - I think it was around January - when it was down for several days. No message was posted for days. No one knew what was going on. I don't know how you missed that.
Since then it's been down for shorter periods of time, usually just a few hours. You can tell if you post on any of the photography forums. You'll see the subject line "Is Pbase down?" popping up. It's the only way to find out if it's a problem with your computer or the site since Pbase doesn't let you know.
Anyway, that's not even a serious issue with me even though most major sites never go down except for a few minutes and when they do you get a page telling you they're down.
The other suggestions here are really valid ones. I'd still be happy with Pbase though without them although they'd be nice. I would just find another site that had them and use it as well and wait for Pbase to gradually add them. And then if Pbase didn't implement them, gradually make the transition to the other site. Most long time users have a lot of time invested in their galleries and a lot of visitors who look for them here so you can't just abruptly switch over.
The new search engine's dysfunctionality is critical as well. To add a new feature that doesn't work doesn't make sense. Why didn't they wait until it was functional before adding it. I didn't have a problem with the old search engine. Some people did because it never updated. Not only does the new one not update, it only searches the titles for the keywords you enter. I'm sure they're working on it. I hope so anyway. I have no way of knowing since they never answer my emails. I hope they at least read them so they're aware of the issue.
The lack of customer service is probably my pet peeve. There's nothing more irritating than sending numerous emails and being totally ignored. Responding to users concerns and questions is just a basic part of any internet site.
I'd hate to have a serious problem with my galleries and have to try to get help.
I know I may sound overly critical of Pbase but I'm really satisfied overall with it. And I understand it's only three people running a huge database that has exploded in popularity. I think they do need to start adding more people to their staff at this point in time to help a good site become a great one.
And I wish SOMEONE would answer my emails.