Matt,
I have to agree with you on this, and as an ADDED layer of protection, can't it be programmed that a new verified user first gets 3 posts per day on day one, 4 posts on day two, 5 posts on day three, etc., up until achieving the ultimate 18 posts per day on day twenty?
This will allow for a new member to more slowly integrate into IHUB as a "FULLTIME Member"!