1) There should be a default option enabled that a thread will be automatically locked after it gets a certain number of responses. The member opening the thread will have the option to reopen the thread if he thinks he has still not got correct reply to his query. Currently the new members ask a question and they disappear from the forum. Members keep giving suggestions and replies and the OP never comes back to lock the thread.
2) Another thing you can do to see recent posts is sort them by replies and views. Those with less replies and views are new ones.
Idea #1: Reddit like system. Up voted posts the most hit the top (ie likely the one you want to merit most) and so forth.
Idea #2: You are not allowed creating threads until you reach the Member. I believe this will slow down the spamming although it may not get rid of it outright.
That can create this forum better but MERIT system kind of already doing what you're suggesting. It's just that the merited post don't flash to the top and one has to search for the proper merited post on a particular topic!
Here's an example of a thread that needs to be shut down immediately.
With time you know what topic to avoid just by reading the title
There's nothing wrong with topics that need a debate. Here I'm just pointing out useless topics which clearly are of no use and are still getting loads of unnecesary replies.
Thank you
I'll now lock this topic. If anyone wants to add anything more valuable just pm me I'll unlock it.
Thanks for your ideas - lukyanli, mtmonte and DdmrDdmr.