If this is your first time on FISD Robert then you wouldn't have 501st access, were you on before with a different username? Status approved.
Status changed for you Alex, welcome aboard
I don't know about that feature, but what if you start a new "conversation" with a PM directly to the member instead of replying in your previous message chain?
Just take it slow and read up on the tutorials and other build threads before you get started. And you're expected to have questions so just post if you need help.