Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.
Why lock out new users from replying to the FS thread? I want to contact a member to buy something but I have to have > 50pts to reply. I'm not even sure if my PMs are going through. When I check "Sent PMs" folder, it is empty.
I'm "new" to the forums as well and can't post to the FS thread. PMs are going through; you just have to scroll to the bottom and make sure to select the box to save a copy to your sent items in order for that to happen. Select to receive a read notification too if you're paranoid about being ignored.
the 50 post rule is to make sure the FS/FT thread does not get spammed with scammers who just sell and burn, then repeat. by enabling 50 posts, it narrows down the field of possible scammers.
Most people wont sell to n00bies anyways, it is against the forum policy. You shouldn't try to buy either until you are +50. Just a precaution.
The 50 post limits apply to the FS/T and [H]otDeals forums due to drive-by spammers and professional scammers who post on every FS/T board they can find, rip off members and then move on.Those forums are meant for members of the community and the 50 post minimum is to make you a part of that community before allowing access there.
I made the change to your CP to get notifications of your sent PMs.