CF, I agree that a lot of information is not findable using TFSE. However, an intelligent question from a new-bee can lead to pointers on what to look for to better utilize it and ultimately find what you want to know.
That said, rereading Os's post it really reads as though he is fundamentally talking about source type questions. Beyond the issue of a source closing down is the fact that good sources can and are tightly regulated in the US (and many other places around the world.) Such regulation means that they have less privacy in their records than you do in your own house in the midst of a Child Protective Services investigation -- less than none. Unless you are planning on getting out of the experimental chemistry field altogether, naming sources on an open, public forum, is not in your own best interests. Forget about everyone else... I can easily see why Os would have such a strong personal reaction to people expecting to be given such information for absolutely no investment. It isn't even about money, it is about self-preservation.
In some places in the US, pool supply places DO NOT carry Muriatic Acid. A large retail brand of matches has changed it's strike pads. Pseudoephedrine purchases are limited. Red Phosphorus is closely watched. Iodine is becoming scare. Anhydrous ammonia is closely watched. Sassafrass essential oil is becoming scarce. The FDA (and the bottom-feeding lawyer scum) have made PPA a difficult thing to come by. Every synthetic route that is discussed here either is, or will be soon used as a shopping list for federal agents to restrict access to decent quality chemicals thus ensuring that when a small lab is busted they can make a myriad of claims on how "dangerous" to the __________ (environment, neighbors, children...) the lab they busted was. It is not responsible to make legitimate specialty supply sources the focus of government attention just because someone is not willing to take the time to prove that they have at least a small handle on serious nature of the reactions they want to attempt.
The Internet already takes a tremendous amount of bashing on making kids think it is "easy" to make meth in their kitchen. Lets not give the prosecutors more ammunition.
ChemGrrl
Six legs good, four legs food. (pigs 4, sheep 4, bees 6)