I meant to add the DT isn't separated from the forum when someone who has no inkling of the existence of either uses search engines to find a song/tune/info on same.

The forum is what comes up. Many, many people will not do the "secret handshake" thing to get information.

Members here tend to want to make the forum the thing--small picture paradigm re: Mudcat.

But the DT resource is the thing that brings outsiders here--the big picture paradigm re: Mudcat.

Those who wish to ban guests are looking to play popularity games in their own private clubhouse, be it in the music or BS section.

But private clubhouses can be created anywhere online, and anti-guest members could play their high school "ban so-and-so" games to their heart's content.