Looks as if I began using Imgur solely at about page 4... Many have suffered far more than I.
My heart weeps for people who have lost whole sites/blogs/tutorials because of this incredibly cavalier move by Photobucket. It must feel like blackmail to them. Pay up or lose all your work. Some won't, but many CAN'T... I suspect Photobucket will die off in a while.
Tragic. Many of these sites/blogs/bulletin boards/etc. HELPED BIRDS!