same here
although i might suggest a partial lock out.
for instance the tech info areas and the welcome pages are open, but you have to register to access the sales and traders threads.
the FTO forum i found was a very well laid out place, had some interesting setup ideas.
the civinfo.com forum had a dedicated members thread that if you had signed up and made a donation gave you access to a VIP forum section, with a txting bar at the top, a bit like a chat room.
i think this site is pretty good, signing up or not to me makes little difference. i have looked at so many cars that i'm signed up on most manufacturers car forums, although i only really go on here.