Yes, Steve, it is a practice that is common in many other forums. But in part what separated WBF from all these forums was the ability to discuss audio subjects in freedom and this created the condition to many interesting discussions and digging in challenging and even obscure audio subjects.
Surely your forum, your rules. IMHO this will create a forum similar to many others - several times we expressed pride in being different from others and the freedom of this forum. But times change - probably many people will be happy to accept such practices under the control of the industry and dealers. When I read people asking for two color forums and discrimination clear evidence I feel sad. But I can foresee that soon MoFi will create a very successful sponsored manufacturer sub-forum in WBF.