Welcome to the forum! To befriend, there's a chat toolbar at the bottom of the screen (though for some reason it doesn't always appear), there's ChatBox (if anyone happens to be there) and then finally there's posting. If you have the interest and the patience, I suggest reading through the various threads, and when you find a post/person that interests you, send them a public or private message on their profile. I think most people are cool with that. As for chatting, there really isn't any one "main" way, at least that I know. Just what I listed above and people's personal preference (Facebook, Skype, etc.) Good luck!
i take the time to open my personal chat to everyone, it's not a problem chat with me! i usually sent a friend request when i would talk or just connect with someone else...do the same!
The chat always goes wrong with me after around half an hour. I don't know if I am the only one who experiences this but I don't think it happens on other sites. I think it could be improved.
About the chat bar problems. Refresh the page often. if you type out a long message copy it so if it doesn't go through you can refresh the page and paste it. Sometimes messages don't go through