Ah, the history of United and the fans on the internet. Happy days.
I too have been around since the early days. first joining the Blades List listserv that was actually run from Sheffield Uni, not Hallam as has been stated, by an Admin there called Dave. It's still going, though is not exactly busy since the rise of message boards.
Then most of the various message boards, under various names, and never been banned either Darren. Though mainly because I don't post that often any more.
Slightly interesting fact is that BIFA actually had a web site before SUFC (and most other clubs), though not a message board, but it was considered. Just would have taken too much admin. The web site was run from Hallam Uni with issues of TRAWW etc. on it but it was finally removed during the Hinchcliffe trail because his lawyers had trolled the internet for negative comments and found him mentioned on the BIFA pages in not glowing references so the SHU web admin asked for the pages to be removed. Not a conversation I remember with much fondness really, seeing as how he was one of my bosses ;-)
I actually got a phone call from a well known United official asking if was interested in starting the United web pages during this period, but declined. Didn't quite see how doing that and BIFA at the same time would work and knew I wouldn't have the time to do the SUFC site anyway.
I got to know Step a bit during the BIFA / SUISA VP days and he had a difficult job which he did voluntarily so I'd never criticise him for being too officious. I have some idea about the time and dedication needed to run things such as this so have total respect for anyone who does it.
Not sure exactly of the timings, but I think whilst doing the admin of the boards he formed his own company called Windmill and then started doing the SUFC web site, so presume he had a conflict of interest which is why they were probably closed.
Just very happy to see this site continuing to do what it does so well.