Been there done that
We had a recommendation section that everyone thought was a great idea, there was a small initial rush of support and then nothing.
The best thing to do is ask the question of who does what and people will give their recommendations.
As to help from forum members, that's a little more difficult but generally the "die-hards" know who is up to what.
Usually people will post a public thankyou if they have had a good dealing with a forum member.
Another good way to promote trustworthy members I found on the Mobile Electronics Aust forum, they have a trusted traders line in their signatures where they list people they have dealt with.