Idea #6: sell swag! I don't think that would be nearly as profitable as some of the other ones listed, though. Ideas #2, #3, and #6 seem to work pretty well for large private torrent trackers.
Swag in general works better in reinforcing affinity. This is why it's often given as a pledge gift. Hubski also has an (acknowledged) problem, swag-wise: the logo and colors were designed by mk when he was a teenager. There's nothing about Hubski's current look that makes you want to slap it on your Trapper Keeper. Another reason I think (3) has some legs - un-uglying Hubski would certainly increase my affinity for it, and increasing affinity drives conversion towards payment.
There's been a great number of angles approached as far as the funding goes. It appears that each plan will have its own impact on Hubski and how it functions. I'm beginning to believe that one option stands out as least-likely to warp this cool community. It'll be the one to disrupt relationships and inter-connectivity the least. Hubski is the fertile soil, in which relationships, relationships built around ideas, grow. We walk away from Hubski finding value in the exchange of ideas. One must first come and build his/her own Hubski experience before the value is clear. A person must invest time and energy and build relationships first. I'm thinking of option 2 as a place to start.
Depending on where the swag comes from the affinity may resolves itself. Nevertheless to continue on one must appreciate the angle as far as each one understands. But connecting the dots between different realities should be added to. The good and perhaps the best one we have ever seen best in the business from most people i know agree that it's so. Carry on I say.
As you're talking about skateboards, I'd like to add a few words in it. I want to go for an endless ride to the downhill tracks with my skateboard. Consider I'm going for a race with my community. I'm feeling hesitant on choosing the right deck. Help me suggesting one. Thanks!