I am obviously in the minority when I say that I think the forum should be kept at no cost to users.
I'll join you in that minority.
One of the things I admire most about the forum - and the management - is the inclusiveness.
It's for people who like purses. Not only people who have, or even want, designer purses, or people who have a lot of money, but people from all over the map, both geographically and economically.
The donate button is a great idea. The forum depends on the contributions of its populace, and if the way someone can contribute includes giving money, they should do it. And set up a PO box so that people who wish to donate anonymously can send money orders.
However, it is my opinion that the establishment of a "tiered" cyber-society, where those who are able to make a financial contribution enjoy an advantage over those who are able to contribute only in non-monetary ways would mean a big change in the overall character and zeitgeist of the forum.
Whether that change would be "good" or "bad" is obviously very subjective, and it is the prerogative of the management, also obviously, to make any and all determinations regarding how they would like to see the forum evolve.
But I will register my vote for the inclusive and egalitarian atmosphere that has made this Poor Person feel so welcome that I have come to consider this place my "internet home."