I’ve been around a couple of years longer than you have. This subject comes up from time to time. My guess is they have done all the legal work to keep to keep FR working. Charging directly to view and post to fair use content is probably a no-no.
I didn't say view, but to post is a privilege, not a right.
They may have to change somethings, but you've got to admit, there are too many free loaders here.
It should not be like pulling teeth to collect a lousy $81 K from a supposed hundreds of thousands FReepers.
Even is the number of FReepers is only 10,000 that is only Three Dollars a month to beat the number.
There are too many Free Loaders on Free Republic, and I've said this for years.
Pay up or go watch the animals in the park.