I definitely agree! As a Volunteer Coordinator responsible for steering people who certify for pre-1700, I get a shocking amount of "What do you mean I have to be working on a project? Where does it say that?" Despite the pop up messages that come on pre-1700 profiles and other things. I have it on the VoCo page as well, in bold: "Any member who wants to edit Pre-1700 Profiles must take the Pre-1700 Self-Certification Quiz and be in contact with the appropriate project, if there is one. Volunteer coordinators monitor the Pre-1700 badge feed, and suggest projects appropriate for the recipients' interests."
I honestly think Pre-1700 should not be self-certified, but it should be given by project Leaders only, and only once a member is actively contributing in a positive manner. But...you know what they say about opinions. :D
Edit: Adding more because I'm so opinionated. While working the Pre-1700 badge feed, I see so many people who barely even know how to use WikiTree, get their pre-1700 certification immediately after signing up. (I know, because I did it myself!! That's what got me in so much trouble in the beginning!!! Immediate access to adding early profiles). Then, when I give them my standard spiel about joining a project, they are surprised or shocked, some get mad and say "I shouldn't have to do that," some are happy to have direction, and some just say "I don't intend to stay here, I just did that because it was available." I truly believe giving Pre-1700 certification to Project Leaders would be the best method of prevention for these problems. Prevention is key, right? Granted, it would put me out of a job (working the Pre-1700 feed), but that would free up my VoCo team to focus on the actual new volunteers.