Condenscension or offense wasn't my goal, so you have my apologies.

However, to be at all against increased membership isn't prudent. To cap or stymie membership growth by offering different payment structures for the Ricochetti elite that could enable a bypass of member growth is odd to me. I understand you enjoy the companionship you've developed with some of the members.  This is great, this is admirable. But, the fact remains that even though you might engage in great conversation, I think it would be better for the world if Ricochet was itself involved in the grander conversation. 

To have it continue as it is would be to limit its potential.  Ricochet should strive to get every center-right thinker it can.

I don't necessarily come here to feel like I'm a small(ish) part of a medium-sized club.  Nor do I come to Ricochet to see what its members have to say regarding the big policy issues in America, or the general direction of America's culture; I should say "necessarily" again, I suppose.

I come to Ricochet to see what Ben Domenech, or Peter Robinson, or Rob Long, etc. have to say.  I've noticed over the past months that it's generally the same people who voice their opinions.  The same people who write the elaborate essays and these same people are the ones who are likely to respond in kind.  I don't think this will change with a broadening of the membership base. 

If you're scared you'll be an insignificant fish in a big pond, well, perhaps you'd be better suited for an internet, or in-person, book-club. For every member who pontificates on the member feed, it's my suspicion there are more people who simply come to read what the professionals have to say.  Increasing the subscription would be a cost for the latter.