This thread brings up Phil Plait, The Bad Astronomer, who was a Doper for several years, but seems not to have paid up and become a Charter Member.
It occurred to me when reading that that there have been a few people whom Cecil himself was enthusiastic about becoming members – a man before my time who was a friendly competitor in the “truth about odd facts and urban myths” industry. Phil and his authoritative references on astronomic topics would certainly be another.
The SDSAB is specifically set aside for those who have contributed to staff reports. It overlaps with the SDMB staff – some people serve on both, some are one but not the other (TVeblen is I believe a moderator who is not on SDSAB; Una Persson and Chronos are non-staff members of SDSAB.
What I suggest is that the privilege of free membership and SDSAB status be extended to a few select individuals, such as The Bad Astronomer, whom the senior staff recommend to Ed as valuable resource people – being very specific that it is an at-will and specialized recognition extended in specific, unusual circumstances. Many members have expertise in particular fields, and it is not my intent to suggest that it be a common move to do so – but retaining the occasional recognized authority like Phil who joins us is worth the cost to the Reader in foregoing the $15 fee, IMO. (A condition might be that someone given this status agrees to post within a week when a Mod. e-mails him/her requesting feedback on a given thread within his/her area of expertise.) The issue of whether they would be expected to do any staff reports should not be mandatory but something that they should agree to consider if and when they have the free time to do so.
It’s a good idea, Poly, and I’ll call it to Ed’s attention.
I note that we extend complimentary membership to all members of the Straight Dope Science and Advisory Board, an area where that kind of expertise is always appreciated.
However, we need to hear from the member in question, too. I’m very surprised that The Bad Astronomer didn’t sign up and dropped off the board.
your humble TubaDiva
Administrator
We are reluctant to establish SDMB “scholarships” for several reasons:
(a) currently we waive the fee only for those whose contributions are clearly above and beyond those of ordinary users, i.e., mods and Staff Report contributors (the SDSAB);
(b) we have many valuable members and don’t want to get into the business of deciding whose contributions are more worthy than others;
© the annual fee is so modest that we have a hard time believing it’s a significant barrier, and in any case quite a few members offered to pay the fee for anyone asking during the initial signup period.
We don’t know why The Bad Astronomer didn’t subscribe. We would be happy to consider him for the SDSAB, which requires only writing the occasional Staff Report. If anyone is in contact with him, please let him know we’d be delighted to hear from him.
Okay, I just E-Mailed Phil Plaitt. Also, I offered to sponsor him if the fee has been the obstacle to his rejoining the Board.
I told him I think it is due to the fact that his schedule is getting very busy. Just go to his site and you’ll see why.
Anyway, I’m willing to sponsor the Bad Astronomer.
I’m sure it was because I used to refer to him as “BadAs” when replying to his posts. 
Let me just add an advert. If you have expertise in a field (or several fields), and would like to try your hand at writing a guest Staff Report or two – perhaps for eventual consideration as a member of the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board – the best first step is to email me.
I handle admin for the SDSAB (read: Petty Bureaucrat Extraordinaire) and will be glad to consider such offers.