This is directly from the Board Admins.

"Ads on the ad boards can be replied to and is (will be) encouraged.

The responses must be in reply to ads though, users outside of providers cannot post a "new" thread on the Ad boards.

Bottom line, it is just like it use to be with ad responses but just on the ad boards now."

I have not idea what's going on!  Part-time user just confused!  Not the first or the last!  I guess I just need a secretary!