Billy,
Yes
other then Cisco, they have lots of other forums - general networking, security and one for many of the ISPs.
Yes, the Cisco one is or can be very advanced at times lots of CCIEs - the networking one is or can be very interesting, I also like the security area but it is mostly software related!!
So did the other mod say that you did not void NDA? I can not believe that she sent you ANYTHING based on your post, that is like saying that the CCNA exam has "questions" on it and you have to get about 85% right to pass

Uh, NO SH_T SHURLOCK!!!!!
I saw a mod jump all over someone there talking about the format of the questions - like multi-guess, sims and pick all the right answers - knowing that they have these types of questions (like ALL cert exams do) does not help anyone, you do not know how many of each you will get or which they will be - I think they are just justifing their jobs as MODS!!!!!
Just some thoughts!!
E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +