you simply need a complete private forum, isn't it.. so everybody registering can access the subscriptions, but no access to forums...

you just have to play with your permissions on each forum... you played too much already, that's why it's all messed-up...

what would be best is a complete free forum for everyone to see, on top of your display, where guests and new registered can access to post and request help... in that forum, you add your own FAQ, so users with little access will understand why they don't see other parts of the forum.

you can see that way on my own board... i do commercial support on my board, and i'Ve modified the guest block so they know that to deal with... once you register, you see more forums.. this is the same for subscriptions... once you subscribe to a paid forum, you have access to it.

this is just a structured way to deal with users...