They [Diaspora] offer anyone who donates $2,000 or more a brand new computer specifically "configured" to host Diaspora. Again, it had better at least be a Mac Mini, because I'm having a hard time coming up with any reason that a server for this sole purpose should cost so much money.
That's such a bizarre criticism. It's a donation. The server is a thank you gift for your donation. It's not supposed to match that cost of your donation, or else what's the point of the donation?
Incidentally, when I saw this server offer on the Diaspora website, I thought that was too big a gift for only $2000. Not only is there the cost of the hardware, but also configuration time, and probably support time too.