Meta is a place for all to post, irrespective of ranks provided one knows what input to make. What makes Meta look restrictive could be the nature of the big boys who play there and so many users may not like crossing paths with the big boys. That can be applicable to those who don't like putting their accounts under searchlight because once you start posting there some of these knowledgeable members would likely peruse your account. Again, any thread that can open up for you it means you can post there. If it doesn't then it means you're restricted posting there.