For reference:
24. Advertisements (including signatures within the post area) in posts aren't allowed unless the post is in a thread you started and is really substantial and useful.
I think there should be no ads unless you are advertising something directly related to the thread's subject.
I don't see anything from your reference that says the ad should be related to the thread. I think "Substantial and Useful" refers to the content of the post and not the ad.
That was my understanding.
Man you're all over the place this morning, made for some good reading. Thanks for the context on this; I had no idea you were holding auctions for ad spots much like the forum advertising is done. When reading that I just assumed it was referral links you had worked out with manufacturers or parts sellers. Either way it made sense for your topics to serve as an example, I'm surprised there was so much backlash over something like that. Was it mostly from members who weren't able to get permission?
The general trolls and suchlike, but as the admin'ing in /hardware/ seems to be either
non-existent or extremely biased (as it always has been), these trolls would litter my threads continually without repercussions.