If you go 'pay', IMHO it has to be pre-announced with a specific cut-off date - then 'wham', its pay only site. It should also be everyone pays X dollars, with no exceptions. Otherwise, you risk getting the jag experience where some paid, some didnt.
Then perhaps if its 'pay', you have to keep the bar at some level, so the info is worth paying for. The old-time posters like JL etc added alot and it'd be great to see them back, if possible.