...the issue I would have though, is the temptation for some established members to flex their muscles at the first opportunity. ...How many for instance start their first review with words such as ‘this is my first review so please go easy on me’ , for fear of being called out...
I'm sorry, but that is a load of rubbish. This forum has a certain culture, some of which was intended and the rest has cultivated over years of membership and management changes.
When someone new chimes in with something that jars with the culture, they will be called out by the established membership. There are ways of doing this constructively, and that is how I personally try to do it, and try to call out those who take it a little too far. However calling out newbies is how we maintain the culture of the site.
The sensible thing to do, would be to create an account, read the forum regularly, observe and try to understand the culture, and how things are done here, only after that should one jump in.
Some people however just can't help "opening their mouths" before their brain is engaged, those members will get a baptism of fire and either shape up, go silent or get kicked pretty swiftly. All three of those options are, in my opinion, good for the long term health of the forum.
Go and read my very first review, the initial comments were from a senior member, and thanks to his constructive feedback, I've been able to contribute more effectively through the years.
I have been on the end of a sounding out since I joined, about three posts in, the inference being you keep your proverbial mouth shut until you have posted reviews otherwise assumption is your talking crap, that’s not really helpful is it?
I think it's extremely helpful that
those who have contributed fuck all, are designated as having no credibility, clout or status. This site is primarily about reviews and contribution that helps your fellow punters, all other discussion is prioritised way lower, and that's how we like it.