They are, sort of... New registrants have restricted access for posting until approved, but not for PM use. And I can't find a way to shut off PM system for unapproved registrants on the vBulletin operation panel(s). It's only this recent episode where the 'invaders' started PMing. They can only PM 5 members at a time though. I have put the Email addresses they've used on block for registration and have now blocked a word they've used in their registration moniker as well... Should hold them at bay.