The search works fine if you use it correctly. Don't use the search button all the way at the top under the header. Use the search button that is located in the general discussion forum.
The other one returns topics from ALL the forums in EA. The general discussion forum returns topics in this forum. Also, be specific in your search request. The search query is touchy.
However, as MD stated, you've asked questions that are answered in multiple threads so this isn't really a duplicate request lol.
I'm confusing myself....bed time!