I think donations are a good thing. So far people only had the option to access respected sections by ranking up. Over my years on the site, I've seen many complained about they do not want to post content due to a liability risk, too much work to rank up, ranking up process is subjective or I can't believe this is free, I wish I can help out or contribute.
At my local park they do free theatrical plays during the summer. I went to one of them to see what all the hype was about and there was an intermission where they asked for donations to support the actors and production cost. Out of a 100 I saw maybe 20 people go up and donated. After intermission I was able to continue to watch the show free of charge. Another scenario is when I go to checkout at some retailers they ask if I want to donate for x charity. I don't donate to activities like this because my rationale is I pay taxes and I believe the unconstitutional taxes I pay will somehow work it's way around to these folks through grants from the government.
But these two scenarios taught me two things; one I get the same services and maybe even better due to the contributions from others. And secondly, Let's say someone gave you a choice between picking a pencil and a pen, which one will you pick? Why didn't they offer you a highlighter? And the same is similar for HGF. Until now members options were limited to ranking up to see the respected sections. Donations give people that have an altruistic spirit who wish to contribute for the betterment of the site and the greater good for all HGF members the opportunity to do so instead of denying them this avenue. Those donors are the real MVP and went beyond the call of duty for their fellow man.
So as long as the current process is still available for those who want to rank up to see the respected section then I don't see why we would want to deny others the right to access content through donations. I think only then the playing feel will be even.
Lastly, you know when you watch tv or you go to some event, they make the statement, "...this proceeding wouldn't have been made possible without donations and and sponsors..." When an entity can make this statement, that means that they are actually not struggling but are soaring and became an entity that mature and evolve into an organization that many adore. And that's when they can say, Nigga we made it.
So I'm all for donations.