If you are open to methods of getting around, might I suggest that you just start a new topic. You can make a connective statement to the old thread in the intro (using a subparagraph, eg, "This replaces... because...") and then put a link to the topic's last page in the first reply posting (links don't work out of the title area, that's why you do it in the posted reply.) I said the last page because you said it contained historic records (Badges and such?) so continuity would work best linking to the last page. For other general history (and chain games) where continuity isn't a factor, just link to the first page. Hope that helps.
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"...Tomorrow's come a long way to help you."
Tim Davis 'Your Saving Grace' Steve Miller Band (1969)
"...Yesterday's at least a mile back."
Dale Peters 'Dreaming in the Country' James Gang (1971)