will affect participation on the regional boards either way?

I could see it go any way.
Maybe more people buy vip or write reviews for vip...maybe that increases participation or maybe
some people just go to different sites to obtain free info.

it could have the effect to increase participation on the boards since info isn't viewable in the reviews.  tho i don't see evidence of that so far.  or it could trigger a spike in fake reviews.  I've seen some pretty skimpy ones sneak through.

who knows...

but I think you will see more fake reviews for the sake of getting "free" VIP. You'll see more reviews that basically say, "I came, I saw, I conquered."

If you are a paid member then it's pretty much a given.....if you get VIP by reviews then they are a lot more stingy about making sure all the details are there.