I don't know if no one ever explained this to you, but this site didn't grow on the money tree in EJ's back yard. This is a business, and it's a pretty awesome place because he's been able to afford to invest the time and effort into it.

I don't need any validation, but I won't lie that I certainly think that anyone who spends years here and is posting multiple times a day certainly can and should contribute a token amount for the privilege. But hey, if the "I don't pay so I won't spend more time here" rationalization works for you, go with it.