I think the rule they have makes a good point about people using tPF as a reference, and so any "advertising" that could be mistaken, even by someone without a lot of knowledge about different brands, is a problem, and frankly, every time I have seen any links like that, they have been removed like immediately.
There are also legal issues - the forum resides on a US server, and I think that they do a good job of maintaining that balance of helping and educating people who might not realize that essentially advocating violation of US trademark laws on a US website is um, not cool.
But because the population is so diverse, with people from so many places and cultures, with such a wide range of opinions, values, and beliefs, to try to ban an opinion or a point of view might be a tall order for folks whose plates are already full!
As far as being sensitive to the beliefs, culture, etc of others, that would come under the general conduct rules, I'm sure if anyone said mean things to you, or was impolite or showing disrespect for your view on any subject - or your opinion of any product - whether it was made by the company the label said or not, you should totally let the Management know about that - and someone else - or more than one someone - would probably already have let them know!
This is the most friendly and civil forum on the internet, the culture, the ambience, is inclusive and very tolerant of different perspectives - but not impoliteness!
Edit to note:
OK if that seemed murky, let me share this with you.
One of the first things I learned when I came here is, just to step a little away from anything about US trademark laws - there is a very wide range of opinion here among the populace on the subject of "knockoffs" or "inspired" products.
It was an eye-opener for me! I was surprised to learn how displeased it made some people that someone could go to Tar-zhay and buy a bag for $20 that looked like, even from a distance or in limited aspects, a very expensive bag with a famous name!
But when I thought about it, I realized that there was considerable historical precedent - there have been several instances in human history where certain fabrics, even certain colors, were illegal for people to wear if they were not in the Royal Family - even if they weren't the King!
So I have made an effort to be very sensitive to the views of people who believe that those Tar-zhay bags should be outlawed - or that they should not be outlawed but that people should just not buy them.
I may not be able to claim to share those beliefs - hey, pet the sig! - but I am very glad that people who have "modern day versions" of similar beliefs can express them freely.
To tell you the truth, all that stuff has been discussed so much already I don't really see it much any more, much less participate in it.
But when it was, and I did, I don't remember a single instance of anyone ever saying anything impolite to me, and I can't make that statement about any other internet forum I have been on since about 1990 when they were called BBSs and everybody was using raw telnet!
