I don't agree with the probation period either. You did things right by lurking for a bit to get a feel for the site, and by posting an informational article instead of a blog or vanity first off. (Plus, by lurking you had probably observed what kind of welcome FReepers were capable of when annoyed)
Belated Welcome to FR.
I suspect that Slimmvs is a Mod.
That's how he gets away with so damn much.