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That's a per-server controllable setting. The admins can set it such that only users with a verified email (and phone number if they desire) are able to send messages.

Yes, but if you create a new account and the risk algorithm flags you I think you may still be required to verify regardless of the server setting.

Maybe that was also because I started by signing up instead of following an invite link (not sure about that).

I tried this in a private tab just before writing my response. It asked me for an username and a date of birth to make sure I'm 16.

It will then bug you to "claim" your account (add e-mail address etc.), but you can already use discord normally.

Guess what happens if you don't claim your account long enough?

I used an unclaimed account for almost four years, only issue of course I had was dealing with guilds limited account based on verification. There was really no other problems

Unfortunate side effect of their success. Most bigger servers I'm on require having a verified account otherwise all you can see is a single message asking you to verify.