I too have several people pulling in > 5k/month doing game reviews and activism.

I would like to get a perspective from people who are doing the funding.

> I would like to get a perspective from people who are doing the funding.

Funding in general, or funding in those specific cases? I fund an Indie band that despite what the OP claims writes their own music and tours. I support them because I enjoy their music, they are nice people, I've met them in person, and want them to know that I value their efforts and this is a way for me to encourage them to continue.

Not sure if this answers your question, or if it was even what you were looking for.

I support a strategy games podcast that has existed for a few hundred episodes and recently started to ask for money. I do it because it helps make the podcast sustainable (the show's host and editor are full-time freelancers.) However, I don't give enough to hit any tier because just as I don't like burdensome Kickstarter rewards, I don't like Patreon rewards which take extra time when I'm giving to compensate for the time burden.

I don't like that Patreon has "won" the recurring support market but I like the model very much.

I support two YouTubers on Patreon - mainly because they dont get a ton of views but their quality is on point.

As a YouTube maker, AdSense money is an absolute pittance (1000 views+ for $1 or less). Patreon is a great way to support these video makers.