Lots of good points.
This board is a business, and it is (has to be) run like one to survive. Other bigger boards such as the ones running off online stores or companies - already have a steady primary source of income, their boards serve as more of a convience.
Elite is the biggest board that I know, with 26k + members - I can understand the problems he has been having and the extra funds needed. But a non-paying member is essentially a potential member, so keeping the board clean of pop-ups would be a good idea to keep newer/existing members pleased - as well as the lot of non-paying members that supply the great info that keep these boards alive and a exellent place to get advice.
There are many other ways to get income on the web - George is a smart business man, its just that the pop-up idea is not flying well with many members - and like some others I used to consider this place free of such annoyances. If I really wanted such a product/service as advertised, chances are by now I would have clicked on the on-board ad not play a constant battle of (alt+f4) when I am elsewhere, and have to run special software when at home.