I went ahead and looked at my own installed software that I know have forums like Avast and found only one with a “program” link to public support forums. It looks like this:

http://members.trailnet.com/sophieb/spampal1.gif

Maybe they should change that description to “public forum” and not “support forum.” I’m just throwing an idea out there to increase traffic because most people just install the ware as shareware and if they’re not too technical they will just uninstall the software if they have problems and buy something like Norton from WalMart already packaged. In my opinion, most people don’t think to find the shareware manufacturer’s website let alone look for a forum to post questions and comments.

Nevertheless, I absolutely see your liability concerns.