I partially agree with you. This site is largely paid for by the sponsors first and then by people who purchase premium memberships and BansheeHQ gear. So actually, the people that do neither should thank the premium members and those who buy shirts and such. And no, it wouldn't be like it is without the diverse group of people we have here. That's why this is the BEST ATV site around.
Sure the site sponsors and paying members help to cover the cost of web hosting and other costs but there is more to a forum besides just that, even the non paying members have played a role in making this site into what it is has become today. Noone would want to pay for a membership on a site that does get very many daily hits or one that does not have useful information whether it's tech questions, feedback, classifieds, pictures, etc. Even non paying members like myself contribute to this site in other ways, for instance I just ordered a set of chrome J-arms from Stellar, not only does my money help keep him in business but I had also mentioned that I was from Bansheehq, which in turn might help the site when it comes time for Tim/Stellar to renew their sponsor membership.
Dont get me wrong this site is great & I also plan to purchase a membership soon but it just seems like the non paying members get thrown under the bus more often then they should.
Now back onto topic.......