I've seen many models tell specific members that the members are welcome with or without credits. That doesn't stop my conscience from telling me that this is the model's job and source of income, and that I shouldn't interfere with the model's livelihood. I tip and pledge when I have credits. That's the best I can do. The models will tell me (one way or another) when I am unwelcome in their rooms.
Very considerate of you to explain your feelings on your experiences with this interesting topic! Regardless of the bizzare replies by performers who butcher cliche Forrest Gump quotes, tell viewers to "cough up the money" and ban the credit-less, I'd like to add my voice to Jake, Paul, Jonathan and Izzi (and anyone else I missed) in saying PLEASE don't feel guilty. We want you enjoying yourself here and not worrying about credits you do or don't have.
I'll highlight something you said: "I tip and pledge when I have credits. That's the best I can do". I would definitely NOT call this freeloading, as others have pointed out, and contributing to a room you spend a lot of time in, when able, is all I or any other model could or should ever hope to expect from any member on this site.
This isn't an exclusive club where only those with money always available in their pockets to spend can play (this site wouldn't work and wouldn't be NEARLY as fun!). The performers who care or ask you to cough up the creds, ignore or are rude to people who don't have credits, or only want you there if you're actively spending, do not understand this site and how fun it can be if they allow it. They also may not be the best performers to hang out with because their sole motivation is quite evident.
Just to reassure you, in case you didn't have a chance to read all of the awesome responses (and those who only read the first and last post) here are some highlights from this thread I think are fitting and great:
Trenton the Great:
"This is a place that should be fun for everyone, even broke-ass fools (like me! ).
I think the one thing most models would ask of someone with no credits is that they not request or beg for something for which others would normally pay."
Ballycallan:
"My opinion would be that if you have no funds/credits of course its still fine to pop online to say hi to the models and have a little chat , I don't think you should abuse it though and stay for hours on end, and certainly should not hog the chat."
The Amazing Izzi:
"I have always told everyone in my room countless time you may stay at the bar regardless if you have credits or not. Its about fun here. PJ I have always told you that. A free loader is a guy that tries to get something off other peoples credits. For example....you tip me 500 credits just for the sake of giving..then some guy goes..'' You should blow your load now cause he gave you 500 credits.'' Coming from the guy that never gives anything. Thats a freee loader."
Kheldar the Wise:
As others have said, people who cannot tip shouldn't request things others are paying for. Having said that, hanging around in open chat is a different thing. There are many ways to contribute to open chat, and one of them is by just being you and being there. Helping make a room a place others want to visit and hang out in provides a huge benefit since some will tip or go private, and the only reason they may be there is because they enjoyed the conversation that you were a part of.
Jonathan Phoenix:
I think that for all of us (models, members, and guests) the constant draw to the site is the fact that you get to establish friendships and get to know people as individuals. Trust me, models are grateful for your support but we also appreciate good company.
Tao Te Paul:
"Freeloading is a state of mind. You can come to this site willing to give whatever you think this service we provide is worth, or you come here trying to get models to lower their prices as much as possible, to the point of it being unsustainable for the amount of work full time models put in on this website.
Freeloaders sometimes have credits, too. It's not a matter of how much you give, but your thought process in giving it."
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