I can see valid points on both sides of the discussion here. Sim land owners have invested significant money relative to their financial capabilities, and have done so based upon future economic and earnings forecasting. LL on the other hand must maintain system stability, performance, quality of experience, and a balanced environment that meets the needs of all. Economies change and adjustments are made for better or worse.
Educators (and other non-profits) on the other hand are probably not close to breaking even, nor are many of them likely even trying. We are typically not bringing in funds from use of the space, but rather are enhancing our knowledge of virtual worlds and how they may contribute to the teaching and learning of the present and future. If anything, education and non-profits in general expose a highly significant number of people to virtual worlds, thus increasing the profit margins of LL and sim land owners alike. With that said, why are educational and non-profit customers seeing an increase in cost and tier of open space sims???? LL please think about investing in your future, those of your money-giving clients, and being socially responsible in RL.