The server was more than aware, we weren't the only ones affected, but they fixed it by around 8:30 last night.

Is that why I would randomly refresh the new posts link and it would show that people were on, but no one was posting?  It seemed to load fine, but nothing new to read.

No, that was because everyone was doing what you were doing, just hoping someone else would post so they could read.
It happens from time to time, especially on weekends or Holidays.