[Shebang]

$90 for a straight-to-Gold ($65.50 if you were Elite or Super Elite, assuming the discount is used on Silver and Gold) is pretty steep compared to most other forums' upgrade system, but the idea is to raise money, so if people are willing to buy, let 'em.

I think the largest problem that tends to come with upgrades is the increase in reputation power. It gives users a "pay-to-win"-esque experience where they develop a superiority complex because they can give out more positive (or negative) rep, that can help boost or ruin a user's experience on the forum. Realistically I know that perk wouldn't ever be removed, but if it was it would remove a lot of the smug kids who's wallet causes them to develop a God complex.