As an Affiliate for 5 years, I understand SFI very well. SFI is not a scam, As I reported in an earlier review, I have made money every month.
However, since that review, there has been a major overhaul of TripleClicks, the marketing arm of SFI. Gery Carson, Founder and President admits the failure of TripleClicks and it's ECA program and has completely revamped it.
The heavy censorship of the SFI forum does not allow discussion of problem area's. The site has evolved to encouraging members to play games and chase badges. This certainly lines the wallet of Mr. Carson, while the membership spends money.
SFI is better suited for those that are knowledgeable of driving traffic. If you are inexperienced, you can spend years trying to build an income that will exceed what you spend on games and chasing badges.