I think generally, this sort of action (paying for additional features) is a good thing, as it keeps nabi in business, and importantly, it keeps toribash free. As long as we arn't ruthlessly charged for every single update, or every feature, its fine. (and I'm not saying you are)
However, things such as "search" have positive effects on the community. They allow people to access other people's information, and to find useful bits of information. Who hasn't told some noob to "search it up on the forums?" Without search, there may well be an increase of question threads, as well as other losses of efficiency. It may be in your best wishes to keep search free.
That being said, those who complain/whine in excess should note that if you really need to search someone/something up, you can ask someone who has VIP to do it for you or ask on IRC, which nabi has gracefully provided.
And for those who bash aforementioned people: Essentially, people have something that used to be free, which is now being taken away, and charged for. And in compensation for the ludicrous price, there are a bunch of random aesthetic products that come with it. Understand why they think its unfair.