The change was a long time coming and not specific to a single person. This was requested years ago and, yes, was mentioned again recently. I only looked into it again this week because I realized how it was possible. Also, some threads auto-post to our Twitter feed and this helps a little with that as well. If the community as a whole feel an individual's contribution isn't good enough FOR THE COMMUNITY then why allow them to start a new thread? If that user wants to post, they can - just in an existing topic until they've earned their stripes. Contribute more positively to the community and increase your reputation and the right to start a thread comes back automatically.
Plenty of other communities just flat out ban individuals that, shall we say, go against the grain. We rarely if ever do that. No walled garden/colored glasses here and I hear about it nearly everyday
