Welcome, Austin. CTN may be strict, but really no more than any other 501st forum, I should think. It is just those taboo questions that they frown upon. The best thing you can do is simply lurk their forums and soak up as much information as you possibly can.
When you have grasped an idea of how things work around the forum ask very specific questions about costume detail and I think they will be more open to you. Of course, it helps putting yourself out there, too. Get to know them and vice-versa.
Good luck. Glad to have you here!
-Bill