Vereine are work. Way too much work to take on simply because having a Verein sounds neat. Just looking at this …
… that’s an awful lot of time spent not playing games!
So far, reasons put forth for a Verein have been paying for this site and finding a place to play. I wholeheartedly support repaying Neil for his expenses (thanks, amigo!), but that doesn’t require a Verein. Just pass the hat at all games in a given week. Or make an event of it. Play Action Castle on the anniversary, ask everyone who can to throw five bucks or whatever Neil’s way, raise a glass and turn it into a party. Way more fun than simply paying dues, and no bureaucratic structure required.
As for a place to play, yes, there are spaces here that only rent to Vereine. But that seems like a bridge to be crossed if a space like that turns out to be the best option for those who want it. There are plenty of places that don’t require having a Verein. A gaming group I know found a very nice place for free, all without a Verein.