[MiS]

Yeah, it was sarcasm. I'm fine with the advertisements but knowing that someone can just make an account and spend some money and be viewed as "better" than me or more "trustworthy" just because they have a gold or silver upgrade is what i don't like. I feel the rewards should be bought and the upgrades earned.

Even if someone were to make a new account and purchase all three upgrades, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be better or more trustworthy than a long-time standing member of the forum. I'd like to say that the community is pretty close knit and everyone knows each other due to their activities and discussions shared with the others - and if you still have any doubts, we also have our reputation system. I'd be more willing to make a deal with a normal member I've know for years than a fully upgraded one who just joined the other day.