Many ICOs avoid public crowdsales and raise funds with private sales or pre-sales that require a high contribution. The only way to participate in these ICOs is via ICO pools. This discussion can help find honest and effective pools. An example of a pool open to new members is at
https://discord.gg/RZVAXZpMost of the ICOs have very low minimum contribution limits, such as 0.001 ETH. Therefore I don't understand the need to go with the ICO pools. If you participate through the pools, then obviously you need to pay them a small maintenance fee, if I am not wrong?