(1) If you don't require one or the other (or even xfire or aim/yahoo/msn/gtalk/icq/etc), I don't see how you can have much consistent interaction outside the game, and that's what makes a clan.
(2) In case you aren't aware, mIRC is just one of the many programs that allow you to access IRC servers. IRC is the name of the technology, and mIRC is just one way to use it.
(3) You "use it to its minimum"? Is there any reason you don't use it more? I mean, IRC is where the clan scene is at, and if you're not there, you won't be taken seriously. (Well, I should rephrase; even some that are on IRC aren't taken seriously.
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