Okay, I have an add-on for you to test out.
1.) Download and extract the attached zip file.
2.) Upload the contents of the "upload" folder to your forum's root folder.
3.) Follow:
AdminCP ► Plugins & Products ► Manage Products ► Add/Import Product.
Click on "Choose File" and browse to the product xml file that was packaged in the .zip file.
Click "Import"
4.) Follow:
Settings ► Options ► MarkFL: Show First Post Only v1.0
5.) Enable the add-on by setting "Product Enabled?" to "Yes."
6.) Choose the usergroup(s) you wish to exclude.
7.) Choose whether you want the product to act globally, or in certain forums only.
8.) Save settings.
Test it out, and let me know if there are any problems or changes you would like.