Let me give a bit of a counter-point. On the Pierogi thread, I want people to go ahead and ask their questions at the moment they have them. Even if the question has been asked before! As you say yourself,

I like to consider myself a "skilled friend". And, I mean, what's the point of having a forum in the first place? Creating barriers that keep newbies from ever dipping their toes in and asking that first question is not a way to keep this community alive...