I'm just going by what I see on other forums. Of course just because others do it doesn't mean we have to. But, having a Supporting Member system does seem to work for other forums.
It is of course voluntary, just as this is. If anything, I find this call to arms more 'pressured' than any supporting member option.
Personally I like the Supporting Member system. There are forums which I like and I am happy to contribute my $10 per year to help keep it running. Of course many others choose not to contribute financially and that is fine too. It is nice when a forum gives a little to supporting members, hence the suggestion of a Supporting Members Only section which is an idea taken from another forum I use.
ST-Owners has a range of contribution amounts which might work well too, starting at $5/year and going up to $100 for those who wish to contribute more $, so there is something for everyone.
I'm sure there would be enough of us willing to contribute through such a system, which would then relieve Streak and Diesel of the need to pass around the collecting hat.
From other forums I use, I have not seen any noticable divide between those that contribute and those that do not, but then they are bigger forums with a lot more members.
If the contributions start at a low level, i.e. $5/year like ST-Owners, then there is almost no-one that couldn't contribute if they wanted to.
We have a great forum here, with some great people on it. Personally, if a small annual contribution helps to keep it running, to me it's well worth it.