As far as I'm aware it's general policy that anyone is welcome. Personally I think it's fine for exSMs or anyone who has been through the step parenting mill to come and either get support or give advice to those still enmeshed in it!

I don't think I'd value advice on my SP issues from someone who'd NEVER been a step parent, but that's different.

If there is someone that can contribute their 2 cents worth that will help us step parents out when it comes to issues we steps come up against, I don't see that there is a problem.

However, if there is a BM/BF or some parent coming on to start arguments, crap and debating to the point of calling names and being ugly, I'm sure they'll be banned. We step parents are literally going through Hell-with skids, our spouses, BMs/BFs...I mean, we need comforting, we need advice, we need support. If a-holes are going to come on here verbally c*strating us because we're upset, I will personally take them to an abandoned insane asylum one night and have them ghost hunt with me for two nights. Trust me, they'll straighten up.

(Forgive me if I gave a little of myself away. I ghost hunt and have been for 20 plus years. They won't survive the night without screaming, crying, whimpering, or whatever-which is what these idiots have made us do. If they get a dose of their own medicine, then they'll see what they've done to us.)

I'm not a stepparent, so I don't usually post, but I learn A LOT here. Lurking on ST has helped me with my parenting and relationship skills, and driven me to reflect on several aspects of my life and beliefs.
I don't remember how I got here the first time. Probably some research for a translation (I'm a translator) but I also learn lots of new and current vocabulary and expressions in English.
Hope you don't mind my presence here, either.

I've only seen a handful of posters get up in arms over "non-stepparents" who post here. I think as long as you're respectful (like all posters should be), you'd be welcomed to stay

You know, I think it's important to stay connected, here and there, as you make your transition. Not only for your own support, but as a road map for others who are contemplating that transition. When you're in the thick of the awful stuff, feeling dead and locked in and hopeless, it can be the light beckoning in the distance to see someone else finding her way out, forward, back to herself. It's like the final act of stepshit, finding the path out. So yes, others have touch based as they moved forward. It's important.
And good for you, on you go!

Someday you will be able to advise a woman who is in your same situation that she can make a happier life, too. Support and advice and sharing our experiences is good for everyone involved. You have a lot to offer. It's not a one way street.

I'm not a SM, only dated a man with a kid for two years. I hope my presence is not unwelcome. I make sure I only give advice on things I know about, i.e. divorce, custody issues, and am careful not to push my opinion/advice on situations I have NO experience with.

I think my opinion is helpful when someone is on the fence and asks do you regret breaking up with someone who had kids? In that situation I can certainly chime in and say "I have NO REGRETS"!