I went plat because there is a good crew here, good admin, and tons of good bros and broettes.
I've always been the type of guy who is fiercely loyal (once I decide to support something) and after being here for a while I had to go plat to support the site - its my nature.
Aside from the search function being plat also gets you an answer from the mods and admin a hell of a lot faster. Plus searching and the pics and everything else makes it worth it.
$200 may seem like a lot but in the end it is a drop in the bucket. I spend that much a month just on gasoline (and then some). When I was younger I would spend that much in one night partying. $200 for a lifetime membership is definitely worth it.
Plus when my work schedule pops off I am working sometimes 18 hours a day. It is nice to have a forum where I can go and take a break and shoot the breeze with some good peeps.
BTW fuck the haters. I'd bomb you haters but the moon is full, there is a cool breeze coming in off of the ocean, and I am going for a quick jog and enjoy life.