Sorry, I've been off in Fastpass **ll. Got them all made and my plans updated so I now I have time to comment.
What about making the first thread on page one simply a link to the first post each Wednesday (as this is the beginning of our flyer week). This way people new to the game will know where to jump in to get the current weeks information whether it be coupon links, deals, rumors etc.
Change your first post to include the Airmiles basics (where to shop list on AM (stores and online), signing up for emails, how long before miles post, etc) and the link to where we are this week in the thread.
I envision something along the lines of the Everything Fastpass thread post #1 but much simpler. (you can tell I've been thinking too much about FP recently). I think this may address the issue of inclusion (you're simply pointing people to where to find the information for their own shopping preferences/part of the country). The main part of the thread can continue as it always has with everyone jumping in with this particular weeks deals etc.