Is The Shambles not a member? The absence of "GUEST" before his name appears to indicate that he is. So, any change as described won't affect him one bit, right? So this is all rhetorical BS, right?

Had our forum been exclusive rather that inclusive all those years ago - I would have had no interest in being a contributor. Whilst our forum struggles with the down side of remaining open for the public's contributions - and at the same time receives the benefits of this - and Max does not feel forced into finding some justification to exclude me - I will still be interested in being a contributor.

When - our forum becomes limited to members only posting - Max will not have to exclude me - as I would have no interest in contributing on this basis.

I think it is a dishonest cop-out to now lobby for our forum to be restricted and changed into a private members only club. There are many ordinary sites for those who wish to pick and choose only like-minded fellow posters. Those who like such things are welcome to them.