Yes, without exception Head-Fi is an online community, yet it is also owned by one private individual. The community isn't the final decision maker regardless of whatever outside influences may or may not have sway over those handpicked to help run the place.
I differ too. He may accept advertising dollars, sponsor fees, and offer special privileges to yearly due paying members, which doesn't in anyway convey any ownership rights to those willing to pay to play. Nor does expressing it's a "public forum" necessarily make it so since no one has any so-called "rights" on Head-Fi. We're basically at best just guests some more welcomed than others and some not welcome at all.
In this regard, I am being a realist and not an idealist.