What's a discussion site if you cannot even see the majority of threads. Casual lurking is fine but eventually you'll appreciate the little Xenforo features such as "Last unread", Subscriptions or not opening the newest page whenever you load a thread.
1. "A majority of threads" is a stretch. Guests can't see A&H or Prospering Grounds. This doesn't bother me because I'm not a news sperg nor do I need the hot goss on new threads right away. Everything else, barring TSIC and donor boards obviously, is open to the public.
2. I had an account, I know what I'm missing. I just use bookmarks to keep my spot in threads. Works fine.