To clarify what may or may not be seen as free advertising. I'd think this kind of product description and info is very ok, like the electric starter posts, it has large and general interest, and having some direct contact with any manufacturer is a good thing.
Basically, I see it as product presentation and information (far from spam) and it's fine that people are getting business from hard work and good ideas.
Okay, okay, accept that and totally agree with the benefits of direct contact.
Still I would be happy about a clear idenfitifcation marking for forum members or posts with commercial interest, so that it is clearly visible to anyone that this is NOT a field report of a happy customer. Using the corporate name as forum ID definitely is a good start.
We've had serious discussion about whether or not to create a section for parts and suppliers recommendations, I'd actually have more concerns about "business" members posting in self-interest. I've seen the results of this getting out of control on other forums, turning a formerly good source of information into an advertising rostrum.
Sorry 'bout going off-topic.