While I understand the frustration, you might want to check out the "Talkboard Topics" forum and search for threads in there that reference Coupon Connection for some background on why the requirements are what they are. It is not meant to be punishing to "power users" like you, but rather to reward posters who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the core value of FT - discussing miles, points, and travel-related topics.

While it's nice to have a place like CC, I honestly don't understand the "fuss", as CC shouldn't be the only reason posters are here.

I, for one, appreciate that your posts have had "valuable" content to the discussions you have joined, which definitely is not typical of "new" users to the forum. Just use a little patience and you, in turn, will have access to CC and all will be well. Every single one of us had an access restriction before we could see it, and we're still alive to tell about it!