I fully support the changes you've made, and think that t has been a bit overdue (lol, spoken as a Newbie hehehe).
I have been on the Bitcointalk forums for a while now, but rarely posted anything because I thought I didnt have anything constructive or informative to say regarding certain topics (it was probably covered by a more senior member account or some information people could find on Discord or just plain googling), and I'm really really against posting something in the likes of:
"nice project, going places, will watch closely etc. etc.",
as that kind of post has nothing to say, nothing informative or constructive about it, and made just so you have a higher post count and activity count.
I am happy to pay for a Copper Membership, as I have used the forums for information and education for nearly a year now as a member, and a few years as a guest, and can say the fee is symbolic (in my point of view) and such a small price to pay for what I get from the forums; Also, very much deserved by the admins and moderators of the forums.
Again, I fully support this change and am looking forward to earning my right to post and take part in this amazing community that we are