When it comes to becoming a VP, you need to get a hold of the moderators in the area you're in the most. The instructions on how to become a VP are posted in every region under the provider ads section.
For Dallas it is here:
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=203902
For Seattle it is here:
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=204227
You will need to simply send them the information requested on those links to the email address listed as well as your handle on the site. Honestly, you can send it to any of the moderators on the site and it will work just fine... although we encourage you to reach out to mods in your own area.
If you feel more comfortable sending it to me, send me the info to
FireSerpent@eccie.net and I will review and process your request.
Once you become a VP, I will send you a VP welcome letter which explains the posting guidelines for VPs and other necessary information. When you're in your inbox section, you'll see in the upper left hand corner of your screen an option which reads "edit showcase". If you click that, it is a fairly simple form which will will fill out for your showcase.
Since you've never made a showcase you may not be aware that showcases are not just broken down into page numbers, but they can also be viewed by region. When making your showcase, you can select which region(s) your showcase will be for. Most people select places they travel frequently to as well as their "home base". Once this is done, people can simply go to the region of choice and view all the providers who have showcases in that area.
I can not speak to the niceness or nastiness of an automated form email. However, since the process to become a VP is fairly straightforward & simple, I dare say that getting back on that horse should be fairly simple should you choose to do it. You hadn't posted anything at all since April of last year, and from the sound of your experience, I can't say that I blame you for not being very active. However, I think if you learn your way around the site, and start posting more often after you get your VP status set up, you'll find that your experience here is going to be far more enjoyable.