It's not likely anyone would disagree that there are costs involved to support this small project. However, it is likely that any heartburn is due to the abrupt change and without prior notice, or even a lead-in attempt at securing funding for the cause. Even Wikipedia has survived for eons on temporary and occasional donation banners which obviously work, or at least help. And as much as I loath click ads, just the threat to use them could have been an option or motivator to help acquire contributional support and keep the site clean. These are just my opinions, of course, and I still wish you the very best of luck.