I have been CL quite a few times and I can confirm there is a Made only option for threads posted just there are so few threads people think a Made + only should be able to see so it is very rarely ever used.

I can vouch for it existing as well. I've used it in the past for Sponsor only threads. Simply because it doesn't really pertain to associates the standards I have held Sponsors to. 

One thing you're forgetting though is that in order to become a member of a family, you need to learn the rules and how things work to even get there.

What would be the point of joining a family when nothing is said about becoming a member?

Showing threads in an HQ is really up to the CL.

But I can understand the whole "not a full member" thing to a point.

Why not just make a backalley thread and only send the link to people you want to read it, that does the same thing

Yup, this is already been implemented. There is away that you can make a document only available for those of a certain rank :)

Back Alley threads can be shared with anyone. Made Man Plus only threads within a HQ can only be seen by Made Men within that crew.

Yeah Ragnarok until someone just copies the contents and shares it, then it's just like having a backalley isn't it.

Well yeah.. but I don't think anyone is going to assume that their Made Men are going to copy and share this (slightly) confidential information?

Then whats the big deal with writing it in back alley and sharing the link. Duh.

Also just to say someone said this is already in so it's a bit pointless debating the merits right now

I'm surprised at why the OP just assumed this was not already in place. Wasn't it easier to verify before suggesting something? It's almost as silly as suggesting that CLs and hands should have the power to remove my gun if they considered me a threat or if they wanted to punish me for something.