The main reason for this system is to keep out bots and spammers.
If you are interested enough to make a few posts, you’re Ok by us.
Twenty (20) is the magic number. Once you have 20 posts you'll be able to roam freely.

In the beginning, you can not see or use the Live Chat Box; Owls (private messages);
Member Profiles; Hogsmeade; the Arcade; or the "Hogwarts Dungeons," which includes the
two forums: "Harry Potter Original Fan Fiction" and "Harry Potter RPG (Role Playing Games)."
These things will come in time.

When you have made the number of posts at which you should be promoted,
it takes some time for the system to acknowledge the new rank.
Please be patient. Better yet, go to bed, or do some homework or chores.

X = Guest. May read most of the forums, but need to register before posting.
0 = Muggle. Can post an introduction, but may not start threads in other forums.
1 = Pre-Sorting Hat. Just say hello to your other little friends on the train.
5 = Squib. You can now see the Chat Box and the Great Hall, but not the Hogwarts Dungeons.
20 = First Year. Permission to start new threads in other forums.
- - - Permission to read and participate in RPGs and FanFic (Hogwarts Dugeons).
100 = Second Year. Permission to upload pictures for signature and avatar.
200 = Third Year. Permission to visit Hogsmeade.

Muggle glitchs: Some (all?) newbies can see the ChatBox, Hogsmeade, and show an avatar.
The system is not supposed to allow that. These things go away when you become a first
year and will return when you reach the appropriate rank.
To see an old thread about First Years losing their Avatars, follow this link: Help!

Beyond that, you won't find any new surprises.
It’s just about bragging rights:

Fourth Year = 400.
Fifth Year = 700.
Househead 5th Year = 1200.
Sixth Year = 1800.
Househead 6th Year = 2500.
Seventh Year = 4000.
Prefect = 6000.
Hogwarts Graduate = 8000.
Ministry of Magic = 10,000.

Note to Old Timers: Let me know if I’ve gotten any of this wrong
or if you have anything to add. I’ll edit it into this thread somewhere.