Rhetorically speaking, were you just hanging or were you trying to learn something or contribute your experience, etc.?
And I'm sure, as it appears, many inadvertently go through the same route you just described. Eventually, people realize there is more to this life than just the gear. I feel very bad for anyone that is introduced to bodybuilding with gear in mind first and the learn the hard way about food and time (years) in the gym, and blood work, to speak of the fundamentals.
I've been lifting well over 25 years now. I'm 43 years old, and only this year did i finally make a conscious decision to start doing AAS, and even that was after the fact that i was already placed on TRT by an endocrinologist.
But look at your last sentence "I love how sources have to go through the gauntlet". Clearly, no matter what level anyone is at, people will visit the underground. The underground is here for a reason..And obviously, if anyone wants Meso to remain a genuine forum intended for the benefit of members, there must be an underground section. Its a necessity. It's a part of the whole.