The main issue is recommending a trader who is (possibly) still trading but not paying to do so on this forum, but can still use the PM system to do it covertly. Thats why threads are removed from some ex-traders and not others. Those that may possibly try and abuse the forum will have their threads removed. Those who cant (ie have fully gone out of business) are usually left as a warning to new members - say if they went bust and did bad business or something. In most cases the old traders threads are removed from what I know of.
So no problem recommending other traders/garages/brands who arent on the forum at all. The issue is with those that are still on the forum and could trade covertly via PM but dont pay the fee, yet still get advertising. Could be us being overly arsey but the traders fees are what pay for the servers, BBQs, flags, event shelters, etc, etc.
In no way am I saying thats what Rich is doing, but its something that could happen.