actually, i have to agree with fugitive. anyone who isn't actively playing online has less than a clue about what's going on and their opinions, especially "the good ole days" are irrelevant. if people not currently active in the game were adult enough to keep their opinions about gameplay to themselves it wouldn't be a problem, but the only way for that to happen is to lock them out of the forums.
perhaps as an option, if inactive players weren't able see anything but announcements, tech support, training, hardware, aircraft and vehicles, and o'club, that would cut down on much of the b.s.
Inactive players should see "announcements" and what not, however I agree with this - if for any reason you quit paying your account - you lose all your perks - you should lose 80% access to the BBS except for spotted areas, some who don't have a clue about what goes on in game routinely post
when in fact game play changes just about every few months. Trying to comment on "A" vs "B" is like comparing apples to oranges.
Only reason I say keep certain access, because I was gone for 3 years and kept up with Aces High via the announcements and Aces High General Discussion - which should be the only place a non-account should be allowed.
Why not access to training arena? If you don't have a paying account you won't need training, etc.