<p>First, if a question meets reasonable criteria for closure, it should be closed.  It doesn't matter if the question is new or old, or if the poster is active or inactive, etc.  Conversely (but similarly), if a question is good (clear, on topic, etc.) it should stay open, even if it is old and the poster is long gone.  The issue then is what to do with borderline situations.  </p>

<p>In general, if there is an older question that might need some interaction from the OP, but the OP is unlikely to return, I would lean towards closing.  First, I have long thought that the standards for closing old and unattended questions should be somewhat less generous than new questions where the OP is actively engaged.  Second, if a question needs some attention from the OP, and won't be able to get it, it will most likely just linger in limbo.  That doesn't do anyone any good.  </p>

<p>I gather that part of your interest in this question is that you believe it might be valuable for the site, if tightened up just a little bit and given a good answer.  So let's add the condition that the thread at issue has a lot of potential.  However, from above, it still needs a little more from the OP, and it still won't get it.  In this case, I think the ideal solution would be to close it and ask a similar question that would afford the answer you believe would benefit the site, but that does not include any of the lingering ambiguities that hamper the current question.  Always remember that you can ask and answer your own question on SE sites.  </p>
