I was about to say something and then I got distracted by Icelogist's signature. Is it. Is it supposed to behave like that.
...Anyway where was I.
Apparently missed this topic when it was first discussed, but I'm also adding my voice to 'no'. Locked forums always look indimidating as hell to join, especially if they are more community-based and not focusing on some single subject where you'd somewhat know what to expect. And when only half the forum is blocked off the most active discussion still usually happen in that 'user area', 'cause that makes sense intuitively.
I don't know if I'd join Melonland if I wasn't able to lurk for a considerable time prior... So I'm glad it's open! :D