Must limit private message to posts

[slinky]

I am having a TERRIBLE time with new members bombarding our experienced members with annoying private messages, emails and profile comments. I guess this is the only way to get members to participate first, learn all the rules over time (e.g. read the damn rules link we've put in bold on the top!) and give them the ability to PM, email and place profile messages based upon post count.

I've tried cyb's hack advanced post count but it is not working for all users. Somehow many of them are bypassing it or simply not seeing the message. Is there anyone who knows where in the the code I can add a simple check statement, e.g. { IF $postcount > 5} allow the email to be sent {ELSE} echo "You must have at least 5 posts to private message.". This way I'll know for sure that no hooks or what not will conflict with this item.

Thanks - also looking for php programmers who are familiar with VB for paid work.