>creating a Mastodon server

This is really what Mastodon needs, a solid sponsor. I want to use it, but the loose federation model without core instances that have a critical mass of users makes it hard to commit to. In Japan, when Pixiv sponsored Pawoo, the Mastodon usage shot up, I think that's still one of the biggest instances worldwide right now.

Also, Mastodon needs a good Mac client. I would pay for both that and to support a general Mastodon instance backed by someone with name recognition.