Still No
This is drifting a bit off topic, but yes, the Entropia Economy would not exist without a constant input of new funds. EU takes a cut based on decay, but they have to withdraw those PEDS from EU in exchange for real currency, and the real currency comes from depositors (and advertisers, licensing fees, etc) and without a steady stream of income they couldn't pay their bills, as has been stated in this thread.
The EU model, unlike a subscription-based one, is based on skimming from the economy, and the economy grows because more members choose to deposit (due to the entertainment or investment value they expect to receive) more than is withdrawn by both MA and EU members.
MA's ongoing challenge is to continually develop new entertainment and investment opportunities for its members. If they are successful, then economic activity grows and MA's cut (income) grows with it. If the EU economy slows then their cut is reduced.
This model gives MA the incentive to develop EU's economy (increase total player activity) in a way that encourages members to deposit without requiring it. By having all types of members, from "freeloading"
sweaters to mega-depositors, newbies to pre-gold ubers, EU has the diversity of needs among its members to allow for a vibrant economy.
I have played for a little over a year and the tools and supplies I need to buy, and the resources and products I acquire and use or sell, are constantly changing. If MA were to somehow level everyone out, as the OP suggested, it would destroy the dynamic that makes EU go, as well as all incentive to progress within EU.
I have deposited on occasion, but I do not consider myself a depositor in the sense it is used by most people. I deposited to provide my avatar the means to earn his own way in EU. I am a professional hunter who mines a bit and crafts a bit on the side. I am successful in that I able to survive and grow in EU - to make a living as it were - through my EU activity.
In RL I earn a RL living, in EU - my virtual life - I earn a virtual living. If I had to deposit, what would be the point? When MA said to me, in what little marketing exposure I had before landing on Calypso, that there were different ways to make money, different professions I could pursue, I did not confuse that with making a RL income in my Virtual life. The fact that a few members are able to do that is good, and impressive, knowing how hard it is just to make it virtually, but it was not what I expected for myself.
When I have some money to transfer from RL to EU, I do it not so that I can keep playing, but so I can have a bigger bankroll and a more comfortable life in EU. I do appreciate that steady depositors and big investors make it possible, but I also know that this allows them a different experience, one that provides them (hopefully) with the experience they are looking for. Not everyone - in fact most - would probably not enjoy living here the way I do, and that is as it should be. For EU to be successful it will always need all classes of players, and even non-depositors play their part.
The OP's suggestions about tiered but limited deposits and leveling of the avatars (see p.s.) is tantamount to nuking EU. It goes against the very fabric of EU and everything is has to offer. Those who think it is a good idea should probably look for some new form of entertainment, because what the OP is suggesting is not going to happen.
No offense meant to the OP, I think it is good and healthy to discuss all aspects of EU here, and your post is different from the usual let's-have-a-basic-subscription-fee threads - which I also oppose - but really what you are suggesting seems to miss the whole point of EU, and what makes it so special.
Miles
p.s. The leveling concept proposed in the 3rd post involves splitting off a new server. There is only one EU and splitting off a new "server" (like so many MMRPG's) is also not an option. Again, the single, persistent universe is central to the whole EU concept.
? Sould he pay a monthly fee to make you happy?
