I was having problems, but I figured out it was due to the video ads loading, so I pm'd Matt about it. If you reload the screen until you get a non-video ad, it magically fixes the performance issues, at least for me.
I don't know how much of this is my fault, but I did ask for a way to just pay and not have to watch ads, and $5 a month works for me.
I think the nodes thing is a different idea.
@Matt has had a lot of comment and debate over 'level 3'. So his solution is, hey, if you want improvements, I'll give you a sandbox. See what you can build, see what comes of it, and maybe there will be some killer ideas or subforums that come out of it. That's all a node is, it's just a subforum. It can have its own moderators, and you can set crazy detailed granular permissions if you have the time and energy for it. If you have an idea for an exclusive, trusted forum, make it happen. If you want your subforum to address a specific topic (maybe one you have expertise or need help with) and be completely open to everyone, you can do that too.
Maybe combining that sandbox/node concept with the concept of "premium supporter" is what is irritating everyone? Maybe some people just want to give $10 a month without having to fuss with managing anything? Does xenforo support the little icons like "Secret Santa" or "I voted" on flyertalk? Something a little more subtle than a banner? Personally, I agree with
@Haley on the banners. I think $5, the benefit you get is no ads and a warm fuzzy feeling. Premium Supporter? meh.
I think this is really 3 concepts:
$5 - no ads and no acknowledgement
+$5 - badge or something that indicates you support the forum monetarily
+$5 - node rental. This could come with a banner that says Owner: Janetdoe Subforum. Or whatever. And if the node is good enough and provides a public benefit, Matt can waive your fees.
Technical question: Setting up a new node with custom permissions for existing members is non-trivial, really curious to see how it pans out and whether a 'node owner' can fully admin a node without having any other admin privileges. I didn't know xenforo had that capability.