Good evening Ash,
I feel all who have replied with feedback have valid points for their views around the paying and non-payment of a fee for the site.
Personally, I feel it would be quite acceptable to ask for a nominal fee if this guaranteed a 'advertisement free' zone and a more interactive format as Marty mentioned.
Would it be an acceptable idea to have a staggered involvement site, by this, I mean if someone just wants to pop on and grab an answer to a difficult clue they are struggling to solve, then make this entirely free and they would just post their clue and wait for/or revisit later for the answer(s).
However, if you wished to be a member with more freedom around the site, then you pay a registration fee for a predetermined time period and this would give you more access, this would include the ability to answer the clues of others requested - post your own clues for help, entry into the Clue writing contests and also the banter threads.
I'm sure that all the regulars would appreciate a free entry and I feel it wouldn't take too long before they would like to be more involved in the solving, clue writing and banter threads which would only come with a paid registration.
I also feel it could become much more safe and secure because of the level of security info that you (ash) will hold.
Let's have it right folks, we all enjoy a little touch of kudos when solving someone else's clues, so I feel the temptation of this will drag a few in.
It also makes it an exclusive site but still affordable,
I would be ok with a fee for a few pounds a year (suggestion £10 or £15 per year (approx £1 a month).
It costs more than that for a weekend paper and if I didn't have access to this site, I'd never see - The Harpers, Wall St Journal, The Spectator and many more that are kindly shared on this site.
I think we need to say to our selves, "How much would it cost for the amount of time and fun I'm getting here"
Then compare it to what you may already pay out.
SKY TV = £15 - £60
Premiere football match £30 - £80
Cinema = £6 - £9:50p
Book (Bestseller) = £10 - £30
Theme park rides - maybe shouldn't mention them???
The mobile app compatible upgrade sounds a good thing.
I feel it's a fair request from the admin.