As you know, I fully recommend Linode. Been using them for a long time now and it's been very very smooth.
You have full root access, full control to install whatever the hell you want, you can partition drives yourself, install OS's ..etc.
It's very very nice.
If anyone wants a login to demo my own server (to see the interface you're given and the options you have), just send me a PM. There's nothing important on the server.
Anyways, in the entire time I've been in/around teh, I don't think I've ever donated. Not because I want to, but because I always forget or I never have money available when it's being talked about (like now, for example, as I'm skint).
Put some little status next to peoples name to say they're a donator. This would remind me to donate.