Fruit-emu was fine before the shoutbox. I'm sure it will survive after it to.
I didn't use it very much myself, but it does seem kind of a shame because at the very least, it seemed pretty active. It's unfortunate that there wasn't a suitable solution to be found that would keep it presentable.
I guess I missed most of the drama that took place in it. From what I saw it was kind of handy helping some of the new folk.
Off topic: Does anyone remember the "Live support" we implemented for a short while. What a nightmare that was haha.