I see Bitcointalk forum as a place that is more than a forum for Bitcoin discussion, There are a lot of things to learn here.
Generally, it is created for idea exchange. You can see it more clearly in the Welcome message that is written by theymos -- head admin of the forum.
Bitcointalk forum is an institution, the reason why I refer Bitcointalk forum as an institution.
Why I love and appreciate Bitcointalk forum more is that Bitcointalk forum is an institution where knowledge is free no tuition fee.
I don't think the forum is an institution but whatever you consider it is, the forum is opened for everyone, to join & learn & help each other, totally free.
If you don't mind about your rank, you are free to participate in the forum, as a guest or newbie member. Learning is related to reading and writing, it is not related to avatar or signature you can wear. Restrictions on time gap between 2 posts don't limit your ability to learn.
The purpose of the forum
This forum exists to provide a platform for the free (but ordered) exchange of ideas. If you have an idea to express, then it is probably possible to do it here as long as you follow the rules.
A lot of people come here primarily looking to make money. The forum administration is very happy that people are able to use the forum in order to better themselves; indeed, one of the reasons for Bitcoin's creation was to break the artificial barriers which prevent so many people around the world from attaining prosperity. However, if your attempts to make money conflict with the forum's primary goal of enabling discussion, then you are swimming upstream, and you will not be sucessful in the end.
If you view the forum as some sort of "job" where you complete some basic tasks and get paid, then you will almost certainly be disappointed, and the forum administration will not be sympathetic. If you do make money using the forum, then it will be through innovation and entrepreneurship, not any sort of mindless busywork.