One of the disadvantages of self-moderated threads is the risk of accusations of political bias. However, self-moderated threads can be useful to reduce the number of off topic replies and spam. One alternative option could be the ability of a thread starter to restrict replies to certain ranks. This could work in both directions. For example, one could specify that replies could only be made by members or above, or alternatively Junior members or below.
Bad ideas, in my opinion.
Why?
Even Newbies can contribute something useful, or even extreme high quality.
Let's see the case of an expert in cryptography, someone like nullius, who have bunches of things to contribute.
Experts can lose their accounts somehow, not only due to hack, but also lose accounts themselves by forget their account's details after long period of inactive.
So, what if satoshi some day come back, but forget his/ her account password, or even name of his/ her account. Do he/ she deserve to restrict to make a post?
I known the fact that most of spammers, cheaters, fuders, bad guys come from newbies, but in general that kind of restriction is terrible, I think.
