reviews must not become a chore otherwise you will see them dwindle down even more than they already have.
I introduced a friend to MERB a couple months ago. I had to take him by the hand and explain to him that in order to see reviews for Montreal he had to subscribe and create an account. He didn't get it and understand the reasons for all other Quebec regions including the Maritimes being accessible for reviews and not Montreal. It's not indicated anywhere to have to subscribe to be able to access the "special hidden" Montreal review section. Make all review sections available only to members and clearly indicate it or open them all.
Maybe that's the main reason reviews have dwindled since the Montreal section has been hidden to non members without any indication whatsoever to new visitors to entice them to become members and write reviews.
Another reason that probably pushes away new members is the bitchy comments from seasonned members about opening discussions that have already been done in depth three years ago. Also moderators deleting started threads without indications or private messages because the subject was already discussed in depth 6 years ago when I asked why two of my threads got deleted.
Essentially open up all review sections or close them all down and clearly indicate it. Also lighten up and stop acting like grumpy old men towards new members and the community will grow and hence reviews
Keeping a light template is a great idea to remind a reviewer of the essentials with also leaving a creative writing section.