For those who wish to donate more, but also to preserve simplicity, why not add a link beneath the existing paypal links to a new SK webpage with more options, and an explanation for those new to the concept?
At the same time, instead of having a special title, add a simple image beneath the member information of each post, and then in the profile, also explained on the new page.
Each sort of donation would correspond to one of the coin values in game, and it shouldn't be hard to come up with an image to match. Hover the mouse over the image and have it display "copper patron," etc. Make the image a link to the donation page.
copper - one-time $5 donation
silver - $10 quarterly subscription
gold - one-time $20 donation
platinum - $25 quarterly subscription
obsidian - $10 monthly subscription (if monthly is possible)
Or some such. Simple, discrete, with no particular words to bicker over (and if history serves as example, whatever words are chosen, they'll be bickered about.)
My two coppers' worth. (And all I can afford to donate at present
) When my money situation gets better, I would personally prefer something like a five or ten dollar a month subscription - it's the cost of a movie and a drink a month, and it would be a lot easier for me to keep track of than a quarterly deal. My memory is about as sound as a sieve.
It sounds like a lot, added up, but it's still cheap in terms of the value of entertainment it gives, especially if you compare it to other addictions out there...and of course, it's optional.