For the record we are willing to jeopardize our consistent Top 100 position for Madagascar. Most of our members are choosing to go gold free as they are getting decidedly unhappy with the way the game is going. The current 20% sale has enforced many of our members stance.
We are a non mandatory gold faction and gold usage is down to the individual. As we don't dictate when a member must use gold we also don't dictate when they shouldn't. This is a game and we encourage our members to retain their freedom of choice.
I wish everyone luck with Madagascar and hope you all reap the rewards for the effort you put in.