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There are several recurring themes here, some of which point to limitations when using vBulletin as a message board and as a content management system.

• many useful threads are buried under tons of other redundant threads
• useful information in a definitive thread is spread out through 150 replies
• the search function has no way of ranking popular results
• definitive articles are old and have dead picture links
• new users can't find what they're looking for, ask the question again
• senior users already know most of what they're interested to know, get sick of redundant newbie questions
• it's always more fun to dogpile on the n00b, than it is to track down the right answer/URL for them. Regardless, the message board shouldn't put that burden on the veteran user anyway.

Among the possible solutions, which don't involve costly add-ons to the message board software (some of this has already been suggested, trying to summarize here)

1. the experts nominate the best threads, and consolidate the information in the initial post or paraphrase into a new threads, more like technical articles.
2. the admins implement some kind of sidebar on the forum pages with links to popular articles per forum.
3. the initial email a user receives after joining gets revised into a decent html page, telling newbies where to look for information. I think people who find what they're looking for are generally going to abide by the CoC anyway.
4. split the "how much you will spend" article to accommodate zero-budget Fetts, weekend troopers, and screen-accurate prop replica fanatics. Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible for some TDH members to create a costume they are satisfied with, for less than $3,500.
5. maybe we have a separate forum just for introductions. A single intro thread is unmanageable as the TDH membership continues to increase. Possibly limit users' ability to post anywhere else until they've posted in the intro forum.