Basic members are only allowed to follow the quests so far. As a matter of fact, that level 4 voodoo doll wasnt possible for basic accounts last month! They've obviously extended the length of time basic members are allowed to follow the quests. Im not sure where they start to prompt you now (and stop allowing progress), it used to be when you got the voodoo doll quest. I do know that basic accounts are only allowed to follow the quests 'so far'. Once you get to that point, all you can do is pillage and plunder with the weapons at hand. I believe you can get to at least level 12 notoriety, im not sure what level weapons are limited to.
Zeppers Lvl40
http://pirates.teamofx.us