Considering the cost of running a forums, I'd say it's pretty justifiable. It's not going to factor into anything major if you DON'T contribute financially. These are just perks offered by the administration to those who wish to give to the site. From what I have seen, all the money made thus far as gone back into the site. If they had wanted to monetize the site, you would have seen a lot more to spend your precious little money on. All the costs of running and maintaining this site comes out of their pockets; not yours. Since you seem to be enjoying yourself here, you could at least show the respect to allow them to somewhat balance the budget on this one. They aren't major game changers, just additional shit to make you happy with a more in depth experience on the forums.
Ok, as for the groups, lets just make them have a high requirement to start one, plus administrative review and approval.