I think that we would just be copying ( H_V_ )
They, to my knowledge, were not the first to do this...at all. There are a large number of other servers who use similar, or even the same, plugin. (Anyone heard of shotbow?
) At this point, doing it wouldn't be copying anybody, since too many people do it.
actually I hate the signs... and just because HIV (
) uses them :/
The signs can be frustrating at times, because they can sometimes be even buggier than just the default Minecraft login. Even if they were added, it'd (likely) still be entirely possible to connect to the server through their IP, so that wouldn't change. The major thing that would change is the difficulty for getting into servers for those who, in the past, were "good" at it. The sign method makes everyone have a chance, but the current method gives those who are dedicated and willing to find a good method get in almost every time. A hub would also benefit the donors from keeping all the IPs around/checking the server list, and just being generally convenient.
In my personal opinion, a hub right now is not needed. The current system with connection through IPs works fine for the right people, and a hub would take lots of extra work/coding/maintenance that we don't need right now, there are other more important things to worry about than a hub...especially 5 hubs. >.>