The subject matter has come up several times, and I must admit I have mixed feelings as both positions have merit. The bottom line is that it is management's position that such things are not posted in open forum. While that implies exclusion, it really isnt. The access to the infomation is structured so that the access is earned, and it should be that way. If not any yahoo could virtually destroy FTA as we know it, even the public stuff in a very short time.
Contribution, participation, forum demeanor, courtesy to other members.....I'm sure there is even more, but those things will be a foundation for consideration for access. Some of the Sr. members have already pointed this out.
Spider bots are indeed another issue, as the 'net is indellable.
There was a system (loosely) in place at one time that if one found something worthy of being posted and even thought it was something that needed discresionary treatment, the thing to do was to PM Tony with the info and let him decide. Contributions of finds, implying a result of actively hunting (participating in the hobby) along with a good BBS community repoir, could very likely result in an invitation. The more one stands out in these ways, the greater the notice taken. Of course there is the fourth dimension to keep in mind, even if all other aspects are in place, this takes time.
I feel sure everyone who has petitioned for acceptance is under continous revue, and I suspect impatience impacts that revue period. AFAIK there is no "ruling council", or "committee", it's more about one's visible merits and gut feeling of the revuer(s) on those merits.
Scott has been kind enough to allow us our own little corner of the playground, and asks very little of us, play nice and dont posts sensitive material in open forums.
FWIW, this is not the only place that has such structure ("private forums"). Some are brazenly harsh and rudely clickish. You wont find any of those traits here.