Hey, don't assume that because I'm explaining what's happening that I've taken a position one way or another on a change. =D
The main idea behind the change was to address a good number of complaints that moderators were not distinguishable at a glance. Same goes for Vendors. It is possible to accomplish that without also splitting people up into "supporter" and "non-supporter" groups but it just seemed like a logical thing to do. I'm all for it if it means we can get rid of the
* Forum Supporter * label that takes up so much space.
I can guarantee you that there was absolutely no monetary consideration behind it. We're not trying to pressure people into giving anyone any money. =/