Stipend or Not to Stipend?

Hiya,
Currently concindering upgrading to a premium account (for the ability to own land), and the removal of Traffic Incentives and several rumors in the ruormill have instilled a concern in me.

Many residents complain about the stipends (in forum posts, at least). Saying it hurts SL's economy and serves no purpose, etc, etc. I'm no economic genius. I don't know the impact of stipends on the economy.

But before I spend hard-earned RW currency in SL, I'd like to know if there are any plans on LL's part to remove the stipends. Either in whole, or in part. Also wether residents who purchase extended Premium Account plans (I'm concidering the 1 year membership) would be reimberesed for L$ they would have recieved.

Even partial information here would be appreciated. Both to assist in my decisions on wethr to spend money on SL, and to lay to rest any "misunderstood" rumors before they begin a wholescale panic.

Thanks in advance,
~Jessy

Wanting to find out more about this, Jessy... please bear with me... thanks for your patience.