I'm a big fan and user of WordPress, and I don't really have the right to criticize as I don't contribute to these projects, but having said that, I've had a really bad experience with BBPress.

I finally resolved to move over to Discourse when I realised that BBPress cannot easily import Forums from another instance of itself.

BBPress has an air of respectability because of it's association with WordPress and Automattic, but based on my experiences I believe that it is best avoided.

I think this article gets it dead right - use the right tool for the job and don't try to do too much with WordPress. Rather, use it for what it's really good at - managing Websites and blogs.

The JSON API is opening up all kinds of new possibilities too.

My experience with Discourse has been second to none. It features an amazing Docker based installer that just completely hides the complexity and makes it simple enough for anybody to install.