Participation is not mandatory and you can just browse the USRG to get useful restaurant information and compare ratings. Participation means you have something to say about restaurants through rating or reviewing places. You can graduate to the trust level of a member which has a traveler or masters level simple by increasing your participation or buying a subscription. NOTE that participants receive a different view of the guide than a browser. The USRG is a dynamic guide that responds based on your participation level.
Advanced participants use a precision rating system which is rounded down for the popular audience.
A participant with increased credibility makes their reviews count more. Visitor Edition - Top 10's. Visit all restaurants. Can see the top three reviews. Members Traveler Edition - Top 100's, Sharable Best List, Top Recipes, Regional Latest and Greatest Restaurants, Table Talk.