I'd offer that the PM feature is a great way to ask for, and receive info and advice from forum users that shouldn't be made public. You've been around long enough to know who's who, so hopefully you'd have some leads for certain topics.

I also agree that general aircraft systems discussions aren't a security threat. What we do have a problem with is detailed company and cockpit procedures, info on crew movements - including layover hotels, and any information that could put a crew doing their job in harms way. There are some topics that don't need to be made public.

Another issue we've experienced is airlines asserting that their copyrighted and proprietary works are being released to the public via the forum. The endgame of an airlines' inquiry is to find the identity of the poster so they can take disciplinary action. When we receive a subpoena (fortunately it doesn't happen often), we are bound by a court order to comply. By moderating certain topics, like security, we can save ourselves some legal fees and potentially protect pilot jobs.

When it comes to security related info, our feeling is that if you need to know, you'll know, or at least have access to the information through company channels.

All that said, this is a community forum and we're always open to suggestions on how to find that balance between the awareness of crew safety and openly publishing information.

Cheers