Aaron does not need to and did not discuss the reasons for making the Rules as he did, but I can offer a good assumption as to why. We have many, many, many new registered users who thought, incorrectly, that they could immediately post a bunch of posts and obtain either attachment download and/or FTP download privileges by simply posting a bunch of short, meaningless messages of the "Thank You" type or, often, just pure random typing of letters.
The limitations on newer users require that they demonstrate some "patience" and "determination" to achive certain "privileges." Those who are here only to leech rarely have such "patience" and their "determination" is usually directed at trying to "circumvent" the Rules, rather than follow them. This is something somewhat inherent in Reverse Engineers
but 'these" people care only about themselves and what "they" want.
It there were not so many people interested in hammering the Forum and FTP just to get stuff they probably do not have any idea how to use, such restrictions might not be necessary.
You may have noticed that we currently have about 2600 members (not Members). Over
600 of them have joined within the last few days and you may be suprised that the database containes more than
24,000 "users" who have registered at one time or another, most of them just to get the FTP download password, back in the days when almost no one could get on the FTP because so many were hammering it.
So I agree that it is more difficult for the new user to get things done, but that will also enhance the chances that those who do "stick it out" will be of more use and contribution to the Forum over the long run.
Regards,