Making forums a paid feature...
Well, what would be the purpose? to stop inappropriate behaviour on the forums and the constant bickering that has been happening the past few months? Sure might work.
It is to make it a privileged feature for already established members to make posts/threads they would like and due it to being behind a paid wall, make fun of others members who cant afford to do so? Sure might work.
I feel this is a touchy subject and perhaps needs to involve into perhaps if you pay a certain amount that perhaps you get some recognition on the forums and maybe a special game world with certain conditions that paid members can enjoy (or even a test world environment, where you assist the developers in further developing the game through your involved and money).
I feel alot of members who currently enjoy AE because it is free, might walk away from the game due to such a feature as they would be excluded for providing their advice, comments or ideas should the forums be placed under a paid wall.