There are a lot of threads explaining this same thing, and I get it, you may not like it, but if those weren't requirements the site would be way messier and would be difficult to actually create a community, I wouldn't have Upgraded if I hadn't made a connection with the forum while getting my 15 posts and credits.
Believe it or not, it's for the better, and Admins/Staff have expressed why, here are some examples:
Nesyr- "Its in place to prevent leeching. Its a requirement that wont be changed. We may add on it in the future though."
Aisaka- "Easy: We want you to actually contribute to the community and not leech the fuck out of this forum.
No, we will not lower the limit. No, we won't give you the download link anyway."
And here's a thread warning that you may get banned if you ask about this