@koaftder
AmigaKit and A-Eon are made up of Amiga fans - that's not just NG Amigas, they all have a500s, a1200s, a4000s etc. The fact that AmigaKit are continuing to invest in new products, and continue to support all flavours of Amiga and its derivatives on their forums, I feel demonstrates the answer to the original question much more than just saying "oh yes, we like a500 owners". AmigaKit have actually put their money where their mouth is, and proven a commitment to the Amigas such as the a500.
None of this is really in question. AmigaKit has a good reputation for the reasons you mention above. But pointing this out doesn't really address the question of where this community site is going. And it's important because the user base is evaporating.
Serious question: What would you like to see from AmigaKit more than they are doing already?
But I've already addressed a large chunk of this, regarding the openness of the site to non-registered users, and lurker users who aren't logged in. That and moderation concerns. The former to appeal to old timers looking to get back into the scene and newer blood from the retro scene. The later needs to be addressed to stave off people leaving out of disgust and disinterest.
(incidentally, when I answered the OP, I wasn't speaking for or trying to represent anyone, hence my saying "I'm sure Trevor will be along shortly....". As this was a question sent in a public forum for discussion, and not a PM, I felt it was safe to allay his fears, as I know for an absolute fact that A500 users are quite safe on here, because Trevor himself is a fan).
I get that, and I'm not taking a jab at you, or anyone really. I'm kind of surprised though that Trevor didn't take much of an opportunity to spell out where this place is going. This has always been a heavily classic centric place.
Edit: in the interest of fairness, it should be pointed out that the moderator you mention has publically apologised for his mistake, and has already reversed his ban.
I only recall a somewhat half apology on AWN regarding this one thing I think you're talking about. I don't really want to spend a lot of time on this, but this has just been one incident in a string of unprofessional behavior. It's going to take more than one apology about one thing to fix this kind of damage.
In the future, with new mod posts, I'd like to see someone from the fold, so to speak, get appointed to these kinds of positions, and preferably by a vote from the community. That's a good way to build trust, and it's worked out well in the past.
I'd like to see AmigaKit explain where they want to go with this new mod, and explain to the community their intention with all this and why he's a good fit. If he's a good fit then there must be a reasonable explanation for this. If not, thank the guy for his time, remove his mod status and promote someone from within, preferably via a vote.
The previous owners had good intentions, and generally did a good job as host, but there was some screw ups that hurt the user base. I'd like to see that kind of thing become more rare. As it is right now, it's not really looking that way.