never left just been a lurker, but tried to reply or pm someone in the classifieds and was given the dreaded you can't respond unless you make 50 posts screen so I guess I have to participate in more conversations
That is correct. The classifieds are a perk for contributing members. You can contribute in one of two ways. You can either contribute to the content of the site (50 "quality" posts) or you can pay and become a site supporter.