I've also never had a problem with the Kofi thing. I think I signed up once but never used it. I agree that for those in serious financial problems (unfortunately after two bouts of Covid and a year with long haulers resulting in worsening of autoimmune problems I am one of them) it may be able to help a bit if there are enough people who contribute. I think that Medium could do far more if it chose to especially after all the money it found for bonuses and the contest last year. If it was applied fairly, increasing amounts for writers outside the limited pool that results from paying members of which there seem to be fewer and fewer of, this could make a big difference and reattract many of the high quality experienced writers that helped make the platform stronger.