But registered users with even a small amount of problem usually don't have trouble finding responses to their posts.
Well, if we were here only for ourselves, I'd agree with you completely. However, we have a broad (and evolving) membership. Some newer (or later) recruits may not realize that there are more nodes lurking in the shadows. Verifying that a node has been OK'd is fairly painless and helps ensure that the archives remain as accessible as possible. I believe it also ensures that the replies to those nodes get a slightly larger audience, with all the relative benefits (*cough*) of that exposure.
I know it's a minor nit. Still, since many (though certainly not all) "unapproved" nodes are basic questions, one wonders if making sure they appear in the various index pages seems like a good way to ensure that our records remain as accessible as possible.
--f