What would you do if the forum had a subscription fee (to post classifieds, etc)?

But, as said repeatedly... the subscription was about providing a moderation to the classifieds. Based on the idea that those who are core to the community and who help keep the community strong, should get the advantage of being able to sell to the community. Those outside would be able to purchase, but not to sell. That was the loose notion, that the fee positively discriminated towards forum regulars by giving them extras. That it also could fund the forum without the need for us to do lots of other things is just a win-win thing that is hard to pass on.

This bit does seems to be getting lost in most of the argument, paying to list items to sell seems fine, be it a yearly fee or an as-you-sell percentage or amount.

A percentage of sale fee would mean anything could be listed (if it didn't sell then you'd not pay) but a price-per-listing fee would discourage people selling any old crap, and keep the selling on-topic and centered around things we all like.

I'd favour a price-per-listing. This might encourage more jumble sales too (very social).