Ok I understand now --- bottom line though is: 1. why are we still debating this when it's clear no resolution is better than the system in place, and 2. any other system will cause only different complaints and STILL the reason for giving away a promo code won't get fulfilled (leaving impressions in the thread and a review) Sorry, but leaving a "thanks for ABCDEFG" with no follow up is a miniscule millimeter above leech/lurker. Least they are polite which gives them the higher status.
Add it so that every single forum except the new releases and lounge are only accessible after registration. The promo codes forum is only accessible after around one week or something. Lots of other websites have this restriction.
So, are you saying that 35% of people sign up for the forums cold - as in not even reading any posts or threads to see if the site is for them? I would feel very confident in saying that 99.9% of members were at one time lurkers - some longer than others but still you need to check a site out before you join it I would imagine. *I know you made it up but make up an actually believable number!
