Reddit asked the readers to sign up. What platform would you use for genuine reviews about products?

The Sunday Roundup from Product Hunt began with the news about Reddit hoping that users would sign up, and it reminded me of all the times I've seen my product searches followed by the word reddit. It's something I add on purpose, since I'm looking for rough feedback from users who actually purchased the product, rather than from a review website that earns a commission.

If there is more of such content locked behind logins, then I'll be reading fewer reviews. I'm guessing others would do the same. This leaves an opening for those who need to know whether a particular tool is worth spending money on.

That's why I've begun to compile a list of resources that would cover at least part of it. Product forums are one of such resources, especially when a maker addresses criticism without getting defensive. Discord servers of certain products are also helpful, though difficult to search.

The thing I miss, however, is a venue for complaints and responses, both remaining publicly visible even days after the posting.

Where would one go in order to get an honest opinion on a product before actually purchasing the software? Has anybody figured out a way to find older postings on the forum aside from the forum search?