There have been some changes on FT that have improved the experience for many people.

Specifically, some fora have official Ambassadors. One of their roles is to be friendly and help newcomers. This program was started as an experiment and has been expanded, but it is still the case that various fora are not covered for various reasons.

Another positive change is the creation of the Information Desk forum, where newcomers are directed. It seems to help that certain basic questions aren't repeatedly posted in other fora as well as cutting down on the number of misdirected posts when a newcomer simply posts a message in the thread or forum that they are currently reading rather than realizing that FT is organized in a specific way. My impression is that when the Information Desk moderators move threads to other fora for program specific advice, most people do respect the moderator's typical note that the post started in our "flame free' forum.

Some (airline and hotel) fora have initiated their own "flame free" threads for quick answers to basic questions. This device also seems to help, but it works best when the forum has knowledgeable and dedicated Ambassadors or other forum regulars who check these threads and post answers on a regular basis.

My bottom line is that FT can and should continue to attempt to find ways to make FT more welcoming and pleasant for everyone, but to some extent this is also a basic responsibility of all FT members.