"detection system you have in place to decide who uses programs is inaccurate"
Excuse me, but if the detection system fails, how do you expect exactly a "program only room" to work? If a player uses a program that is not detected by the system, how are we supposed to only allow such players to a designated room? I am afraid it is not possible unfortunately.
"they are going elsewere"
Well, other chess sites does not have program players? I seriously doubt that. Maybe they just don't deal with them, do not put a sign next to them, players do not see them, players think they are not there... Everyone is happy...
"why would people using engines such as rybka be interested in playing those who use their own brain?"
I can also put it the other way: why would people using their brains be interested in playing those who are using engines? It seems like there are players from both groups so why deprive them of this possibility, i.e. to play against each other?
We really appreciate your efforts to give us valuable suggestions, however, we do not think a program only room would solve the issue.
The current system is ok for players that are detected (you see them, know who they are, you can avoid them if you wish). For those program players that are not detected, a program room would solve nothing unfortunately, as you cannot force them to a special room, if you do not know who they are.
OP