To run a server, you don't need to get involved with the channels. Channels are a separate thing all together, kept in order by channel operators.
What do I mean by running a server? An experienced IRCop such as yourself would probably not need to know but I'll go on anyway. How about setting the I:Lines? Configuring ports? Amending the MOTD? Keeping your leaf connected to a hub or even being the hub itself?
