Perhaps you could help fund the engine test by making some of the items only purchasable with cash money, or have a cash in/credits in ratio so someone deposits cash (via paypal or something)in their char and for every dollar they get a certain number of credits. I've seen this being used in some other games that are sub-completion and it is mildly effective.

Actualy even though this is a "beta" I wouldent mind paying a monthly fee, if that is what is required to keep this company alive. You have a good game here, and I think it would be a shame to see it die this far into it. But it is your game, your choice.