I've noticed the same thing, with some accounts going back as far as 1999 suddenly coming to life with anti-conservative comments. Lots of weird games being played. Thanks for your research.
Conservative or not, I find freerepublic the best place to read news from around the world on a multitude of subjects. The commentary can be illuminating, provocative, humorous and troll...
Now about Reagan, I didn't vote for him in 80 or 84 and didn't like many of the aspects of Iran Contra and don;t believe he should replace FDR on the dime....(maybe the Sacajawea sp)...
But those were earlier days and with age and information, opinions change, thus I find myself here at freerepublic. Hell, I'll finally admit it, I voted for Clinton TWICE!!! But what broke my back was Clinton and the democrats taking foreign campaign money and giving the Chinese the nuclear jewels...That is treason in my book...I also didn;t like it that he cheated on his wife....(So why did I vote for him in the first place?, heck I forget now....)
Alright thats finally off my chest guys and gals...