As yet another college student, while I may not be loaded, I feel that the ability to do freelance work makes my life considerably more comfortable than the average student. A monthly fee wouldn't be that big of a deal.

Now, I say that because I have spent the last 18 months on HN. I'd be an easy conversion. The new signups would be less easy, as it's hard to see the true value in HN until you've spent time here.