It would have been no problem if I had know it upfront. I respect the greater good, but now it just comes falling from the sky. Paying for an account is not my thing. It would be something for scammers.
If you're going to have a good reputation here on the forum, you're going to become a higher ranked member anyways. Might as well do it now; you'll also be able to learn about the forum and members here. Becoming a Jr. Member isn't hard; you have 4 weeks to go. Take those 4 weeks to get to know BCT.