That's one the reasons I'm learning -- I don't want to depend on somebody else (and to have to wait for somebody else to get the ideas I have) to create the skins I want, whether they charge for them or not. In the process, of course, I'm having to depend on a lot of people to help me out, but everything I learn I freely pass on to others who are learning, and I think THAT is the real sense of community that exists here, and that is also why there NEEDS to be a master program -- so that those who have gone on before stay around to help those of us who are on the journey to learning right now.
Well said, Karen.
The Masters impart much, much more than the skins they create, whether they be Master Skins or for free. They also impart, as you so kindly pointed out, of their knowledge and experience... to help those newer skinners, such as yourself, learn the ropes.
That in itself makes them worthy and important parts of the community, and we all, whether we're skinners or not, should be grateful for their contribution to the community.
What's more, apart from skinners recuperating a little for their expenses, teachers do not teach for nothing, so why shouldn't Masters receive some remuneration! Teachers do, it's their bread and butter, and Masters have to eat, too.