Hi,
I consider a bike to be an amazing transportation tool, yet I haven't biked for months because it is not appropriate to how I commute. I am not sure invalidating someone's opinion based on its edit count is a good way to have that discussion .
All the statistics I have ever seen on Visual Editor for years are supporting evidence it helps newcomers.
I haven't found very recent ones though, but I cannot see why it would have changed. Perhaps one of you have a more recent study I couldn't find. If someone has, please share it! I love numbers :D
As for the initial message, contributing financially to Wikimedia projects is a way to contribute and show support. When a reader gives money, they are showing that the work volunteers do matter to them.
It is on of the way to contribute and to show gratefulness.
If what we did stop being relevant to readers, they would stop donating. It is not as much as the amount that matters but the act of giving. So this sentence strikes me as a good way of saying it actually.
What do you think Pelagic?