Off-topic forums (specifically hardware)?

First of all, I don't know why hardware discussions are off-topic. For all but the XBOX platform, hardware is an important, integral part of one's xbmc experience. (all but xbox, because for the most part you have no choice what you get with xbox.)

Secondly, how can one post a new topic in the off-topic sub-forums? They are all read-only (to prevent spam, I presume?) so one can only reply to existing threads.

Any chance there's a work-around or some way we mere mortals can post new threads there?

Well its off topic because we don't support it (and this is an XBMC support forum) but yes I agree they should not be read only but that choice was made above my head