The member search definitly does not work.  Is there a fix for this?  Are they working on it?

Could you please describe more in detail the issue? Please leave some screenshots and your forum URL to allow us to check the issue. 

 I was hoping to be able to use tags in the profile of the member.  not just tags on questions and answers

Yes, you can do it. Just navigate to Dashboard > Forums > Settings > Members Tab, find and set the "Filter" for the "Members Search Type" option. 

Then add the created custom field in the Members Search Form Tab. For example, if you created the "Hobby" custom filed, just add it in the Search Form Tab. You'll be able to find the users by his/her hobby. 

More info here: https://wpforo.com/docs/root/addons/wpforo-user-custom-fields/member-search-form/

It would be great to be able to find members based on interests (tags) or needs

Please read this topic: https://wpforo.com/community/wpforo-announcements/wpforo-1-5-2-is-released/#post-19020

Can the forum member search also produce results as to who is online and who is not?

You can use the wpForo Online Members widget. It can be found and added to forum sidebar in Dashboard > Appearance > Widgets admin page. More info here: https://wpforo.com/docs/root/getting-started/forum-sidebar-and-widgets/wpforo-widgets/