I am really sorry to see all of the frustration being expressed over the issue
of "joining" this site just to have quicker access. The truth is that the
number of hobbiests using the site has increased over the years and like
anything else will slow down access to the site. I understand the frustration,
though.

That being said, I have been coming to this site since 1996 when I first
started flightsimming. Over the years I have certainly taken alot more away
from the site than I have contributed - files, advice, new ideas, and a general
satisfaction with the hobby. All of this has to cost someone to make it
available to me and others who make this site what it is, the best!

As a result, a little over a year ago I "joined", not for better access (cause
I get on at 5am when nobody else is on and I have no trouble LOL), but because
I felt that helping to keep this site alive and weighing what I had taken away
for free vs the small cost to join was making a statement about my hobby and
the people who have worked so hard for all these years on and for this site. I
considered it a donation and getting better access was not even a
consideration, just a positive side effect. When I calculate the cost vs. the
amount of time I have spent on this site, it does not even compute as a
percentage.

I have tried the other free sites and their is no comparison - Flightsim
forever! I will continue to donate a "joining fee" just to show my appreciation
to the people who run this site for all of us to enjoy. My wife says it is a
lot cheaper than my other hobbies and she said she would even give the money if
need be.

I would hate to see some of those expressing their frustration give up on this
site, as many of them contributing is what helps make this site what it is.

Thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Tom Burnett