Yes, it is. Why else would you put a 3-startup limit for non-registered users, and present them with a registration page? If the script is malfunctioning, turn it off. Maybe if I could actually see the content I would sign up, but since I have to sign up first, I guess I'll do what most others who are visiting your site for the first time are doing: Go away and never come back.
Do yourself a favor and get rid of intentional annoyances. You're already funding this thing with donations.