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However, I am not fan of self moderated thread but it would change based on user rank. Self moderated thread should be disable below full member rank.
I disagree anyone has the capacity to use it properly or abuse it, irregardless of rank. That's why I like the idea of needing to be whitelisted. The requirement might be your account needs to have enough substance a Mod can make a determination on whether you need it or not; or if it's a net benefit to allow someone to use it.
^^ agree with your take because, i took time to read through reputation and scam section of the forum, and discovered that, many questionable accounts on reputation and scams accusation are more of high rank member accounts than lower accounts, so, it will be unfair to the lower class. In the light of the requirement, that wouldn't be fair either as there are likely to be favoritism from MODS, which could possibly result to another struggle between forum members and MOD in question. Let it be disable irrespective of ranks, thanks.