I feel that although it would add attention to the forums, it would also add "flashiness" to the site, making it feel more like a big ad scheme to get cash
Or, how about making the "Forum" button blue, and then bold, italicize and underline the letters, use all CAPS on the button and make it ON FIRE. NOW THAT'S THE KIND OF BUTTON I'D WANT TO CLICK. It would basically look like this look like this: