I don't remember seeing explicit OP info not to, just a post or two about a general rule. I stopped myself a few times because of those postings... error on my part

I was just bummed to find that the posters (me included) were all stuck until a clue from the OP. This happened a few times. Maybe he/she just wanted to be involved throughout the hunt. I get it I guess.

At any rate, it was fun to think through for the most part. As far as I know this is the OP's first puzzle like this? At least I can archive this directory and move on with my life