Previously, when I was really into torrenting I climbed the ladder really well, I was in the forum sections where staff would share the details of banned users. They mostly cared about cheaters, unless it was a small site trying to be exclusive. I knew people who would go to tracker staff and out people for trading and selling and nothing would happen.
But overall if you want to get into the torrent community buying and trading isn't worth it. But if you just want a single solid torrent site and are willing to pay TL is the one to do it with.