To be honest with you, I really don't like the idea to pay for something I have always been used to have for free, at all.
BUT, given the circumstances, and having in mind the kind of website this is, AND having in mind as well the excellent people who runs it and keeps it alive, I would pay for it, hell yeah. Only if it's the last and only solution, though
I do not have access to credit card, yet, and may I ask, since when would the fees begin to be charged, if this actually happens?
And another question: how much would it affect the site to lose it's independence if it merged with a bigger network? (sorry if it sounds as a stupid question
)
But as I said, HELL YEAH, I would pay.