As someone who up until yesterday (or was it the day before?) was caught by the "10 post rule", I'm gonna chime in. First, I spent a lot of time lurking and reading posts and finding information here well before I joined--I think I was looking up information on my previous bike here almost a year ago. I specifically chose my "new" bike because of the information in C&V forums.

Yes, it was slightly annoying, but I figure if I was committed to getting a bike that needed work and learning more about cycling, I was going to have to join a community like this. Honestly, when I call my uncle now he answers with, "so what's your bike problem now?" Had I purchased a new bike, I could call the LBS, but because mine are both vintage, I don't have that option.

I can understand why you have the rule. I think it encourages participation and allows new people to get to know the site a little and have some small commitment to the forum before they can post pictures. Really, if someone is committed to getting their question answered or posting pictures or getting assistance, posting 10 times is a lot less time consuming than digging through a google search and potentially not finding what they are looking for anyway.