From all that are out there, what is the general consensus as far as reliability, quality of visitors, etc.  I have my opinions (which I won't express just yet)

Yes I see no one is touching this one but the interesting thing is this screen name is moderated and the post was clearly approved.  I understand if no one wants to reply or if it ends up being deleted.

and if anyone comes on here and says site ABC is better (or even worse) than TER , that post will be pulled and most likely the poster moderated.

This has been a longstanding policy of TER, it predates present management, and is unlikely to ever change. There is a list of several hundred websites whose mention on TER is  strictly "verboten", virtually every competing review site, large or small is on that list. Sorry.

Certainly makes sense but allowing it to post at all when no names can be mentioned seems somewhat asinine, OR perhaps, they want to make ME look like the idiot for asking?! LOL
 

I'm on other boards that don't care if someone mentions TER.  Besides, how can mentioning other boards really hurt the place?  It's too big.  If someone goes to try another board as a result of a post here, it hardly means they won't come back.  I really don't know what they're afraid of.  Then again, there are lots of policies here with which I don't agree.  But I still spend a lot of time here because it's a valuable resource.

but don't get used to it. lol

and yes, your confusion about why your OP was allowed in the first place when answers to it are impossible is perfectly understandable, I wish I had a good answer for you.