I don't have a problem with the way it is operating. I think it's quite a good recruiting mechanism - rather than bribery. I thoroughly enjoyed the forum and asked my other half if he would like to go this time, but he will need to join the trust. He plans to join anyway - so this will give him the perfect opportunity. The trust have a few events coming up which are open to everyone, but the forum is quite good as members only - restricts numbers too, which is necessary with the venue.
As far as the trust goes, I will wait to see what it brings as it's still in it's infancy. I do have one or two concerns but hopefully they will be okay and the trust will be the success it deserves.