Patrons can create groups if they have enough stc. They go dormant for all sorts of reasons, the creator/leader has moved on to other interests in the site, left the site or other reasons. Because patrons can create as many groups as they have stc. for with no guidelines other than the famous CofC, we have quite a few dormant groups.

They can be revived but only through the efforts of its members and even then, the creator/leader never loses the group. If you join an inactive group, unfortunately you do lose the stc. it cost to join. You can quit and join another if you wish but I suggest you look closely at your options. There are so many out there.