I am not speaking for management, nor am I acting like a mod at all? I made a suggestion in what I would do if I had an issue with this (Which I do not).
Its good to know that I'm being more mature and logical then someone who is 51 however, thanks for pointing that out to everyone.
You don't know how long I have been running forums, or have been manging forums (About 12 years now 
, though the first ones were just hobby forums, but thats how most start right?). I also probably have -more- experience then you do regarding running forums, or related subjects because I have a background in programming and Network Administration.
The thing is, most of the complaints are not constructive. They've degraded to flat-out whining (Not yours), and nothing is offered as an alternative (Or when Ashley replied to the alternative, people flat out ignored his response). That is why I suggested a new thread with a strict criteria and ask a mod to heavily moderate it. It'll stay on topic, and is more likely to get a change then this one will.
vB and IPB both started up a decade ago; the industry has changed, and has become much more congested. A new startup forum company has a lot of competition, and income to cover overhead becomes an issue. vBulletin started off with very few contenders, and IPB started free and then went paid where -some- of their users adopted them (I know many people had an issue with their new model of business when it happened).
You're not forced to renew however. You can choose not to or to do so before or after the reactivation fee comes into effect. Also, its only a $40 penalty .
