Mods would "promote" people. They have to do anyway and it is not necessary that known people go all the steps.
"Inahbitant" is the safety net in a way.

Restricting access to post-promotion will surely discourage many newcomers as well.

That may be, but if you are only there to drop links - do we really want those people? Others can still post the newcomers links.

should probably add one for rules

I thought that would be sticky in the hello and hep