Good morning, Merger and thanks for the great question.

We had to set a high threshold for LevelII because it is a very expensive feature.  As such, if we opened it up to everybody, it would be cost prohibitive. 

By providing it to those who achieve a certain level, it also rewards members who actively contribute (or "give" as you state) for the benefit of everyone else.  At the end of the day, that is the true goal of AGORACOM - attract the best investors and have them share their knowledge with those of us who "get much more than we give".

The result is that everyone makes the best investment decision possible, based on the best information possible.  If so, the profits should help investors pay their mortgages ... and afford LevelII to boot :-) 

With respect to your concern about members posting useless posts for the purpose of achieving a higher status, rest assured we have safeguards built in to prevent that.  Members can pretty much only move up in position based on merit.

Thanks again for the question.  I trust this clarifies the situation.

Regards,
George