I noticed that you stated that some of your reviews were negative.  Have you considered that fact that if you had read a negative review yourself prior to see thost gals, you would have saved much more than the $20/month that VIP costs?

In any case, I also endorse the idea of contributing to the boards as a way of letting TER know that you are an OK guy.

I would personally like to see you contribute in fact as I like what you had to say.

BCNU.

Once you have reviewed a already reviewed lady, you gain some creditability as the data is cross referenced.  This often takes care of the New Reviewer issues.
By all means, participate on the boards...  It helps all of us out.  
I understand that you may not feel you want to pay for VIP...  In my experience, TER VIP is almost impossible to keep just by review credits.  Sites that are provider driven often give generous credits for reviews...  but lack the checks that TER does to try to keep the reviews credible.  
You may not "need" VIP continously, but when I'm shopping, I find VIP invalueable for researching.  Proper research can help reduce the disappointments.  VIP costs far less than even one spoiled date.
skb

I'm a newbie on this site.  Long time lurker and long time hobbiest but only recently decided to start writing reviews.  I submitted 4 recent reviews and went to log in today to add more reviews from within the last several months (including a couple negative ones) but saw that none of my prior reviews have been approved.  The reason being that "From time to time we don't approve reviews from users without a long TER history".   So what's the point?  I honestly have no interest in buying an account, and also don't care that much about the VIP status, sure it would be fun, but I've done just fine in my provider choices so far without this "status".  I was purely writing reviews because I wanted to share my experiences and even give a heads up about a few rotten experiences I had.

What gives?  Should I abandon my account and move on?

or other boards, like your local regional board. If you like sports try that board.  TER adm will see that you are ok and somewhat active on the boards.  It's common that ter adm holds reviews for first time reviewers. It supposedly keeps the fake reviews to a minimum. You will also notice a delay in your posting as you are being moderated. After posting awhile, contact the mod for the board, and ask to me unmoderated.

Thanks for the info!

The OP is trying to be a good citizen, and has his reasons for not being interested in paying for VIP. Personally, with all the issues TER is having with reviews lately, I see no reason to encourage folks to reward poor performance.

We chide folks to not reward bad behavior by ladies all the time. The same applies to problems with a business.

I have no idea what the review problems are right now, but IMO that matters very little. The problem exists, and people have been fairly vocal about it. Until they ask for recommendations, assistance or otherwise reach out to their user community I see no reason to encourage others to pay for such behavior.

I am not suggesting a boycott on paying for TER VIP, but there are valid reasons not to do so. Your reason notwithstanding.