Yes. Registration will let you in everywhere (except to a forthcoming forum for SF producers only).The registration is only so that
1. We can cut down on spam.
2. We can cut down on bots (since when you sign up, you have to respond to an automated email to confirm your membership).
Bear in mind that if the public forums get overrun by spam, they may eventually have to go away as well...but we don't see that happening right away, at least.