Yes, unfortunately there is a mechanic with vbulletin where if the OP is deleted the entire thread is deleted. Losing posts isn't too bad but losing complete threads is something Terb admin should look into.
Hope the thread can be reactivated.
The new GFE MA thread will resume shortly. I am just working out some minor details to recover the deleted posts. Not going to look pretty but we will have most of them back.
Stay tuned and please hold off your votes for now.