Whoever the moderators were about four or five years ago (I can't remember who they were) when I started posting here, they obviously felt comfortable enough with my postings to therefore provide me with immediate, instant posting privileges. I have never had to wait for my posts to materialize until now. What gives? I don't believe I ever gave them any reason for screening me back then, or to any of the moderators since then, so what's going on? Why was this needless filtering put in place?

I use to be able to change the status of a member.  With the latest change a week or so ago, that is now reserved for TER employees. Send them a note and ask why.

I was also wondering ....  thanks, doggie!

TER got back to me pretty quickly and sent this message:

Everyone is now moderated on the discussion boards. It is a new feature. All messages are looked at and approved or denied in 15 minutes or less.

So, it looks like that's the way it's going to be from now on.