Yes, yes it does get very regular traffic - many more responses on most threads than I see in a number of the other topics.
I think the big key here is to differentiate a couple of issues which are being discussed side by side on this thread (not just aimed at you here @HeartInDrive) but they aren't the same thing:
A) Should the Sex topic be in Active - I think both the non-Sex topic users and the topic regulars seem fairly much agreed they don't want it there, albeit for different reasons. The non-users because some are pearl clutching and some have very valid reasons - cultural reasons or personal background which means it is offensive or triggering. The regulars because they are now being attacked. The only people who seem to have benefitted from this were @mumsnethq and not sure how it's gone in their favour either since this is hardly going to have brought positive brand image for the product they are trying to sell, and possibly alienated a huge cross-section of their audience at the same time. Quite an own-goal to p* off everybody from BOTH sides of the debate, just for profit!
B) Should Sex topic exist at all and is it in some way wrong / dangerous? - I'd argue it's both needed and perfectly in keeping with a forum for mothers and adult women IF the tone is right eg, a safe space for women and their allies to discuss the sexual issues that have puzzled or troubled them, often which are closely related to their changing bodies and lives as they age and post children. In my experience, there are plenty of threads that fall into that category and are incredibly valuable- nowhere else on the Internet is similar without becoming horribly seedy. I would, however, agree that threads which start encouraging people to meet up outside the forum can be risky. This is very tricky ground for Mumsnet to moderate but suggest that reinstating the 30 day registration before posting rule, and adding a Rules to the Sex Topic including a clear warning about giving personal info or meeting people outside the forum - or even banning just this type of thread - could help. At the end of the day though, any forum with some degree of PM system comes with risk and as your friend themselves found...they had issues meeting up with someone which had nothing to do with the Sex Topic! Predators gonna prey, even in the most boring threads.
C) The general topic and reaction to it - whilst I agree nobody should be forced to see sexual topics coming up if they don't want to, I think Mumsnetters need to remember that the users of Sex topic are equally entitled to their opinions, questions and feelings - which are nornal and natural and no, they are not disgusting, weird, pervs, kinkists or shameful. Before you throw words like that around, remember some people spend a very long time in therapy escaping such judgement and what gives you the right to judge them? The fact you are seeing Hesse things is the fault of @MumsnetHQ, nobody else...so don't project your anger onto other people.
And @LilyMumsnet @HopeMumsnet ...isn't it time the voice of Mumsnet broke the silence and put this right?