I wouldn't have a problem with barriers to entry, but I really wouldn't like an invite system. I was originally a lurker on /r/cth. I didn't really post there or anywhere else on Reddit, really. After the ban, I googled and searched and found this place because I missed the content. I've learned more and become more radicalized, even if I do still mostly lurk here. An invite only system would have locked me out because I don't know anyone.

Personally, I like the kiddy pool idea or some sort of interview. People that stumble on ChaCha in good faith should be welcomed and given a chance to shake out the liberal brainworms. That, or as someone else said, have some of the subs be invite only or have applications. I never joined /c/transenby_liberation because I am cis. I enjoy reading the content and learning, but it's not my space to talk in, so I don't. I did join /c/anti_cishet_aktion because I'm queer. If I would've had to apply to the latter to join, I would have seen it as a layer to protect the comm from homophobia.

I guess in the long run, it kind of depends on what we're trying to build? Are we nothing but a leftist shitposting site? Or do we want to build the movement and be part of the leftist pipeline while being a shitposting site?