A sample area would be good - but there is the issue of quality control and volume.
I'd certainly be up for making sample-packs of my hardware, that seems a good way for people fortunate enough to have collected nice things to help people without.

I'd hope that people would respect it if the articles were opened up to all -on that theme what about setting up a wiki for production tips? That way everyone can contribute, but it's also easy for it to be looked after...