My advice: Do what makes you happy, and what you feel is worth it.
That being said; I myself have run several large successful and some not-so-successful projects. In every case the people who complain the most, seem to be the loudest -- and it's hard to ignore that. But on the other hand the people who have no issues and no problems with what you're doing are content to remain quiet and drop the occasional compliment. It's important to stay focused, and remind yourself that for every negative complaint, there's probably 50 other people quietly appreciating what you're doing.
I am sure people are willing to help commit to code if you open source it. I think if people are willing to help fix it, the funds you get from a working pool would help pay for itself in time. It may even spawn a few other pools to help take the load off of yours.
In the end, it's your decision. I can't really help more than offering words of support and appreciation (and the 100 mmc for the pool fund), I hope you "stay in the game" though!
Merry Christmas!