I support this decision fog, its sad its had to end up coming to this, but in a way having closed registration for awhile is a good thing, although new players wont get to play in a way its for their own benefit that they don't encounter Hackers or TK's. I just find it pitiful and sad that a small group of 2-3 people can force many to not have fun or get the chance to experience this game.
I actually think that a phone registration would be a good way to combat these problems, sure, some people may not like but, But i believe that if explained during registration why it has become necessary people would accept it and be inclined to do it, you could always validate new members by yourself with assistance from the forum mods but that would be time consuming and tedious.