Hi @markransome,

There are numerous reasons as to why you'd want to run buddypress on top of wpForo. It's not essential, as wpForo has all the necessary functionality you'd require for a forum, but if you are looking for a way to socially interact with other members in the form of walls, groups, direct messaging, friends, etc, then you'd need either buddypress or ultimate member. I personally use buddypress and the Youzer plugin to enhance it on my site. Take a look at https://inocul8r.net

You'll need buddy press because

1. No on site notification system exist in WpForo.

2. WpForo is not very social. Can't add or follow friends without Buddypress.

3. You'll have better profile options if u use buddypress.

It depends on your requirements. wpForo has almost all features for profile system. You can customize Login/Register pages, User Fields and data. Do you need something specific?