Hmm, I'm scepticle about this.
I'm sure there is justification for this, however it's a real shame that this has been ruined...
When I first joined, I didn't post in GD much, and spent ages in GH, giving people advice and stuff trying to get up to 250 posts. When that time came, I was straight into the MM buying stuff. I'm sure those who traded with me when I first got access, would testify to my decency at the time.
But I see why this has been done in the same sense...
I also, must say that I joined predominantly for the free shipping - hey I'm a student. I'd had little experience of massive forums prior to this (I was a regular browser on smaller gaming forums), and frankly wasn't aware of the huge community, that now a days I'd say I'm semi-recognisable in... I learnt about the MM later.
Saying that I support the idea of a year to MM access. Although perhaps 500 posts would have been my suggestion
kd