When an admin decides to make the jump to a paid software, do you support them? Personally, I was on a community where we all hated moving to VB after about 2 years of phpbb and we never really got over it. What are your thoughts on the matter?
Yes of course, but it depends on which forum software... if it was vBulletin than of course I wouldn't support it. But if it was XenForo or IPB, than I would have no problem as they both are well made and of good quality. But it really depends on the members of the forum. The forum you mentioned I could see why the members weren't too happy as they were used to phpbb and comfortable with it, and they weren't happy with the change as it was a big one.
I agree, we were very comfy with phpbb and were not as happy with VB. Wish he had gone to IPB back then
If the change was necessary e.g. forum revamp then I would support it, but I would'nt if the community was asked and then the owner went against their wishes, etc.
Yea I agree, if it was doing fine on phpBB then I see no need to change unless like you said a revamp, or they were having problems with phpBB.