Edit: I think I may have reported your comment? I saw the "report submitted dialog twice while writting, I hope that was a client side error. I made no such report.

I can agree with the fact that we need money to continue this platform, and as long as voting remains free and I can do so without tying anything to my account or my person I will be donating (anonymously) too. My problem is with the quality of those willing to pay for power in this community. I see cosmetics in exchange for money as a better solution. I'm a developer, and will start to contribute to the project soon. If this is wanted, I can start to do the work needed to allow for cosmetic purchases. I've done similar work for other services before though never FOSS projects. Say, coloured names, gif banners, user flairs, or icons. Power in a community should not be a perk available to pay for. Money for power will not be beneficial to the long term survival of a platform.

I understand your position is to not dismiss money being involved, but not to try this yet. I do disagree but I'm glad someones making the argument. It looks like the only "aye" was me, which was of course entirely serious. Descent is needed.

For now there doesn't seem to be much issue. If, and when, more restrictions are needed my personal preference would be for those voting to be selected, or to apply. This will, of course, be less open.

My point is that money being a factor limits the amount of dedicated people involved, selects more towards the people willing to exchange money for power, and doesn't stop the more dangerous bad actors.