Indeed, it's not the huge news that is (at this stage) still potential, nor is it the 'Big Deal'. True huge news will only come if the foundation is established, so this should be the primary focus of the community leading up to launch.
Are you referring to more funds needed for Foundation or members needed to join Foundation (or both)?
Funding of the foundation. There is SO much going on behind the scenes that will only happen if the Foundation is established (this is a demand from the big companies too), so everyone should focus on making that happen ASAP pre-launch.
I think it wont happen until we have a way of sending iotas with the prelaunch GUI to a "foundation address", so sending really means something and there is no turning back.
Giving promises of donating is just weird and probably very far from reality once we can really donate. I hope it gets much better then.