Why do shared files count against my space use???

Hi there,

I am trying to receive a lot of files (pictures) from somebody.  So I tried to share a dropbox folder where that person can add in the pictures. I have a Dropbox Plus (2000GB) account, whereas she has a Basic account with no referrals (2GB).

Since the amount of pictures greatly exceeds the 2GB, she is not able to upload, due to the fact that it is limited by her Basic account.

Now I understand the example Dropbox is giving in the help article: One reason this policy exists is to prevent people from giving themselves unlimited space by stacking Basic accounts with shared folders.

Also, I understand that Dropbox wants to force more users to bigger accounts. I mean, forcing her to a Dropbox Plus account would be the easiest option. But basically you're then paying twice for the same amount of storage, since you're using up both accounts storage space (if that makes sense).

But I do not quite understand why I, a paying user, is not able to receive files from a non paying user on behalf of my storage limit. So I would like to suggest the following limitations, rules or possible solutions:

Option 1

Disable the creation of editable shared folders for basic, let them pay $1/month to enable the edit right for others. I think that this small micropayment is fair for what you get for it (considering $10/2000GB=$0.005 per GB).  So basically they are paying way too much for the 2GB's you're getting by stacking accounts. And even with all the referrals (max 16GB), it'll make a profit. You could even lower it to $0.16 to break even on a maxed out account (if you are just talking about dollars per GB).

Pros: easiest to program (I think), more profit from micropayments

Cons: will piss of a lot of basic users who use this feature for... basic stuff.

Option 2

1. If all the users have a basic account, it'll be as per the current rules.
2. If the owner has a basic account (or a premium account, but just not enough storage), one of the members who has a premium account, can 'share' or 'allocate' storage to this folder. Therefore, allowing the group to use up his account's storage.
3. If the owner has a premium account, the folder will default to the storage space of that account.

Pros: won't piss of the basic users, gives an extra boost for users to switch to a premium account.

Option 3:

Base the storage limit of the shared folder on the account of the owner. And just use up the storage space of the owner. As long as this owner has a premium account. 

Therefore, if the owner were to request a few files from a lot of users (some of which are basic accounts) and the shared folder exceeds 2GB (or the storage space of one of the users you requested a file from), the basic accounts are still able to use the service for their own personal use and will still be able to upload files to that shared folder.

Pros: won't piss of the basic users, gives an extra boost for usersto switch to a premium account.

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I think it's fair to have something like this, that I'm actually able to request files from others, without using up their storage space. If I were to request a few files, from a lot of people, it would use up all their storage, because I am requestin files. Doesn't make sense, right? You'll always be using up everybodies storage space. Paying users will always pay double, triple, quadruple, ... (depending on the amount of users in a shared folder) for the same bits and bytes.

Basically I am requesting/suggesting something to change on this matter.

Let me know what you think and let's get the discussion started. Maybe you have another idea that kinda resolves this?