If space is an issue, could you get your scripts to target only certain sections within the forum? For example the how-to guides and project threads would be the primary targeted areas then general areas after.
FFS people still uploading photobucket linkshttp://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=fs_gallery
Can you put in a script that when photobucket is detected in the image URL it will not allow you to post? (I know you can ;-) )