I have had no problem at all since joining this site. Yes, there are problems whenever there is a Java update but besides that I have had no issues at all and I have been using it on and off for around 10 years.
Re: people complaining about being banned - I haven't heard of this so much since the forums were 'dropped' and when I have seen people banned there has always been justification (in fact I would probably have banned them sooner).
As for the favouritism accusations, people who visit the site regularly get to know each other and will chat to each other. If you don't like it either a) don't have chat on or b) visit more often and get to know them.
VIP membership costs me all of £5 a month - approx. 16p per day. Hardly breaking the bank!