Just a thought since many seem to be frustrated by some of the newb questions. The Search button could be part of the menu up top instead of hidden within the Forums button menu or within the harder-to-see secondary submenu where User CP, Members List, etc reside. I think the tone of some members can be unwelcoming to someone who has less than 10 posts and I think other members are being influenced to post similar terse replies.

Maybe even place a Search link on the forums main page much like the Marketplace link. I don't know if vBulletin allows going even further and placing a search text box at the top somewhere.

I don't think the button and link would completely eliminate the problem but when you place a more accessible link/button people will be more likely to use it.

Thanks.