Private Topics - are they supported?

[Mittineague]

I did manage to throw some code together that I think works.

Might this plugin do what you need ?

Kinder Guardian - let New members message Staff

Without this plugin, New members can only contact Staff by email or by replying to their Welcome message This plugin allows them to message Staff from either the Staff members User Card, or the Staff members Profile page. It does not let them send messages to non-Staff members. display the Flag icon or it’s option to send a message from its modal. let them send messages from their own Profile page. let them send messages if the site has them disabled

I have looked and am looking at places this touches.