If we need advertisements muddying up our review board in order to have a review board, then advertiesments are a necessary evil.
What I am less keen on are:
Providers making up names and posting "reviews".
Providers arguing with reviewers about reviews when their opinion is obviously biased.
And less so, providers dissing each other, or other segments of the industry. Again their opinions are so obviously biased as to make them at least partially invalid.
The public in most areas of consumption have laws and organizations to protect them. There are laws against false advertising and against bait and switch. There are the BBB and ministry of consumer and corporate affairs (probably called something different by now) and as a last resort there is small claims court. In an unregulated industry such as hobbying, there is scant protection for the little guy (HAHAHA!!). Review boards like this were created by people who cared and were not about money (at least not at first, I am SURE). And I don't even think today, that TERB is more about the money. It is about improving the industry.
NRPs take away protection for the "little guy". They are a form of censure. WORSE, they are ONE-SIDED censorship. They attempt to quell freedom of speech. They don't have any higher ground justification that I can think of.
And keeping reviews within acceptable guidelines for legal reasons is a good idea. Keeping them factual and keeping opinions identified as such is also a good idea. keeping them respectful (while sometimes not easy) is a good idea.
BUT if the purpose of this board is interfered with what purpose is served?
If providers wish to be kept off the radar, then they should stay off the radar. Don't come on here, "we're great...we're the best...we're smokin...we have great service...we're so sexy...but you are not allowed to talk about us".
It just doesn't wash.
If you want non-detailed reviews, why not ask for, push for, advocate, non-detailed reviews.