I did not have to pay in the sense that SDF offers the service for free.

I did have to pay because SDF provides a service I use, I have the means, and I know SDF does not monetize my data. That is a rare perl in this day and age. I pay a slew of other such rare concerns for that very reason, like the Well, the Calyx Institute or FUTO. Companies and individuals who treat me right get my money: it's their only income since they don't sell my data and I can afford it. So from a moral standpoint, I had to pay and I'm happy to.

I chose a $36 ARPA membership. It's the only subscription that makes sense for me in the higher-tier, since I don't need any of the features in the more expensive "plans". But it's a one-time subscription, so I plan on renewing it next year even if I don't have to - if I keep using SDF services that is. I don't have to, but I feel it's the right thing to do.

Now don't get me wrong: SDF provides me with a shell and a whole bunch of stuff I haven't seen offered at anywhere near this price for decades. I was NOT ripped off.

All I'm saying is, when I see users of instances they paid $0 to join - be it Lemmy, Matrix or Peertube - seemingly using their free service without any of the trouble I'm experiencing, it's not a very good feeling. I know I didn't pay much, but it kind of stings a bit.