This forum has already tried a limited access forum. Rather than improving communication, it reduced levels of participation. Please reference comments (shown below) that I've made on this subject before. Having a second layer (even if not password protected) reduces the number of legitimate people who will go to that new area.

SUMMARY: If we want a very small group, go ahead and password protect a second forum. If we want to broadcast important information to the largest number of owners in an effort to educate them and to get them to band together, don't have an additional forum.

June 16, 2009
For what it's worth (which admittedly may not be much to many), I don't think there's much value to this forum being password protected. Other than the periodic rant against Richard Jackson, there really isn't anything much discussed here that needs protection.

Instead, I think that the requirement of the password may actually limit the number of discrete users/viewers of the forum. For example, if someone is an owner and an infrequent casual viewer of the forum, they are unlikely to be willing to register and get a password. As a result, they may be unexposed/unaware to critical issues like the need for more votes in favor of extending the life of FGH, which receive good explanation in the forum.

I would recommend that you consider going back to the public viewing so that key issues become more well-known.

While I don't claim full knowledge of best practices for owner forums, I have been and am currently responsible for internet strategy for a company. The strategy for this forum seems like it will result in a very small, intimate group of owners who already know each other rather than a broad group of owners (who may not be acquainted with each other) who could band together on common issues.

Just some thoughts.

Tried to visit the Travel and Leisure survey site to complete the survey.
My computer came up saying it was a bad security risk and not to enter.
Just some info that may or may not be important.I did not proceed as I get enough spam.