I'm having the SAME problem. Even when i select not to send any activation requirement, the forum don't allow any newcommer to have a ACTIVE accout. Also there isn't any warning of who isn't active yet or a way to search them up. There should be a search in the admin page for searching users with a specific account info like active account or not.

Another thing is to add a Auth selection in the SMTP server. My SMTP server requires it and isn't being done. (May be a problem related to the same .php)

Thanks!