Sorry The Shape, I know this thread is for plat members to answer but I wonder if I can hi-jack it slightly for a second

I have never paid to join an online site in my life, as I am a bit wary of these things but even so this place has really gotten my attention, even up to the point that I am currently considering joining platinum.
So I would very much appreciate if any plat members or even staff could honestly tell me, (by that I mean I don't want the usual promo crap), the following things:

1 - How easy is it to join and how safe will my c/card details be?
2 - Why you personally think it is worth the money, I mean is the pricing right for what you get?
3 - Is there really as much material in Platinum that is advertised?
and finally
4 - Are you plat members a friendly bunch, I mean you don't treat newbies like... well, newbies I suppose