Are we not reconsidering eligibility to access the forum
Not exactly. A member still has the same eligibility as they did before. "A member becomes eligible to access the "Thinking of England" forum after three months and 100 posts. After this time, a member can request access to the forum from a Ranger. " This is still in effect and will stay the same.
This isn't about eligibility, this is about the members of the ToE to deny membership as a group, if they feel it is necessary. Semantics, yes, but it is somewhat different. A member would have just as much eligibility as they do now - the difference is that current ToE members would have the ability to say, No. The member would then have just as much eligibility to apply for entry in X amount of months.
This would not change the status of a new poster, it would simply give credit to the fact that there is sensitive material on the boards, and there needs to be an out in order to protect that material.
My apologies if my point is not clear.