shopster, as has already been explained to you in PM, our system is set to automatically block all links by new members as we, like most other forums, are inundated with spammers trying to post links, some of them to pretty disgusting stuff.
I am sorry you find this "pathetic" but we would rather be thought of that way, and have a system in place that protects our members. Most new members understand this, and are willing to make the required number of posts in order to reach linking status. All this is clearly explained in our guidelines as well.