I need some advice on member site platform b/c its starting to get ridiculous!

Hey guys,

I have been trying to work this out for the past several weeks and its starting to get ridiculous. So I asked myself a question: Where can I get some help?

Well, what better place that the warrior forum, right?

Anyways, here's my problem. I am working on setting up my own membership site and I've been trying to get the right platform. It's been frustrating to say the least. I am leaning towards using a forum based platform.

(Sidenote: I really like how stompernet has their membership site set up and want to do something similar to that.)

I need to be able to:

** have different levels of memberships
** needs to be secure - login and logout with passwords
** have the ability to block certain portions of the membership site to different user levels
** have the ability to post and attach video, audio, pdf and other mutlimedia formats within the site (give people the ability to download the stuff as well)
** ability for people to post threads/questions for each topic. This function is one of the most important function for me and should be within the topic/module. (sort of like a forum)
** the platform needs to be user friendly when it comes to modifications/theme changes/ etc. (sort of like wordpress where I can change a theme with a mouse click)

I have tried to use simple machines forum platform. They have tons of mods and themes but more I look at it, it's more frustrating than anything.

Thank you so much in advance for all your help. I really appreciate all your help.

Peter