**UPDATE: Sent PM to theymos on 2/19.

Overview:
I believe we should remove the option to self-moderate topics for certain user groups within areas of the marketplace. This can be used as an additional way to reduce and prevent scamming while allowing for further community moderation.

Some reasons for the change:
1) More and more scammers are using self-moderation as a shield to prevent users from calling out any illicit activities.
2) Moderators have always taken a stance to not get involved in the marketplace. (I am not saying it is right or wrong, just stating a fact.)
3) Threads posted in the scam accusation section can go unseen by potential victims and new users.
4) Newer users may be unaware of the trust system and unregistered users do not see it at all.

This is in no way a replacement for any of the current systems we have in play.  I am only suggesting we utilize this along with the current systems.  
ESCROW usage is, as always, key, and it is always up to the user to do their due diligence before entering any trade.  This is just another step to make it more fool proof.

NOTE: The option to close/lock a topic can be easily used in a fashion similar to self-moderation.  This suggestion will also require the removal of the option to close topics.

Affected forum areas:
Self-moderation should specifically be removed from these 2 sections of the marketplace:

• Goods(Computer hardware, Digital goods, & Collectibles)
• Currency exchange

Any other section can be included if it is deemed worthwhile.  

Affected user groups:
Full Member, Senior, Hero, and Legendary users would NOT be affected.  Those groups would keep the ability to self-moderate in the decided upon marketplace sections(credit to akamit).
It would also be advantageous to have this benefit become disabled if a user's trust becomes negative(credit to ralle14).  Loss of benefits would apply regardless of their user group.

Only users with the rank of Member or below would lose their self-moderation options.

This change could become an added benefit for user groups, similar to the expanded PM space or reduced wait time between posts.

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There should not be many downsides to removing the self-moderation options for the lower user groups within certain marketplace sections.

What do you think?