There is a fundamental flaw in the centralized trust system, i.e. the the centralizing factor (the person). Theymos does not act as frequently as he should, i.e. he does not act swiftly on obvious collusion as is in the recent case. Either decentralize it in a way, or act more frequently and more vigorously.
Therefore, yes it is battlefield between users trying to clean this place up and users who only care about their own profit. It is not going to change anytime soon (see above).
The flawed trust system, plus the unregulated presence of scammers, shitposters, and account sales, along with the rift between camps of people sharing differing and often contentious views on all of those things--this is why the forum is a battleground. And the lack of strong leadership on top of everything. Ugh, what a mess.
The goal of the cartel interested only in their self-gain has is within reach. Almost a scammers' Utopia.
From your own perspective, you're fine as long as you use what I suggested[1]. For the others (i.e. 99% of the forum members, they have been essentially thrown into a pit with hungry monsters). It's sad when self-greed due to own failing endeavors takes over your judgement as is the case here.
[1] This:
~HostFat
gmaxwell
~OgNasty
qwk
Vod
~Tomatocage
DiamondCardz
KWH
ibminer
~defcon23
Mitchell
~cyclops
Blazed
hilariousandco
~shorena
~jonald_fyookball
~CryptoImperator
~chronicsky
~Quickseller
Zepher
actmyname
The Pharmacist
Lutpin
Gunthar