PJ, exactly right...
I know it "costs" time to run the server, etc., but the benefit that you BETA TESTERS bring to the product is invaluable.
If the product had to be flight tested in the "real world" by a contractor it would cost iFly in the tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars - the value of having BETA TESTERS is worth it alone. The bugs you work out before it hits the streets saves everyone a headache and preserves the quality and fidelity of the product.
Fb is a "dogs breakfast' of ideas just thrown into a bucket - not as professional, organized or focused as this. It is a very underwhelming alternative. This is a lazy way of addressing a customer demand.
Again, iFly has divested of several user-network channels already (listed above) -- not sure what the long-term strategy is, but it seems to be trending AWAY from the most loyal fans, users and paying customers.
Mike N714AJ