Participating in a forum or electronic discussion is not different from writing a paper for publication for lawyers or lay people. It also seems to me that both the profession and the public benefit when there are public places where legal issues can be raised and discussed. We all are bound by the Canons and are required to be competent to undertake a legal matter. A lawyer never knows all the facts. But you give what information you can based upon the facts given.
Lawyers always give out information, opinions and advice in public forums.
Seems that issue is still up in the air. In any event, communicating with a client on a cell phone presents disclosure problems to be addressed as well. You have raised some very valid issues. I think, however, that there is real social benefit in the public discussion by lawyers of legal issues, even specific situations. The Internet has only facilitated existing practices, lectures at social clubs, pro bono legal clinics, even radio talk shows.