Atlanta
This is kind of a gray area, and I don't know what you're looking for from me (maybe you're just venting which I can understand). But to answer your questions to me:
I think that if TER had their way, hobbyist would never be allowed to point to a provider's website. On some of the local boards, pointing to a provider's website is a sure fire way to get yourself moderated. Some feel that there is a conflict of interest. Here on the Atlanta Public Board, I believe I'm given the flexibility to make distinctions. Personally, I look at myself as a square peg in a round hobby; so, I may not be the best person to ask as to my thoughts about rules.
As far as rules go, I have nothing to do with rule making or the functional running of this site (only to say) I never lose sight of the fact that this is a commerce site and one of the best in its industry. So again, to answer you question, I think TER knows what it's doing.
I'm not sure if you've written any reviews, participated on any of the discussion boards or even gone to any of the chats, but I do hope you're having a good time here. In Atlanta, we-the-membership are the ones that make our cyber-community what it is. You may want to either go to the general board and create a discusion thread:
http://theeroticreview.com/discussion/national/index.asp
Or give some type of feedback:
http://theeroticreview.com/feedback/FBForm.asp?FBType=1
Or send an email to "Staff" at TER:
[email protected]
There are many things that you can do to express yourself and I encourage you to do that. Just don't flame when you do!
Joey