I'm really glad that this is being bumped back up as it's definitely something I will be actively moving forward with once we are closer to getting a stable release (and especially after completing my new computer build). The project I am planning to launch will also be taking full advantage of such a system so having something set in stone that is not only created but regularly maintained will become a necessity sooner than later.
There are far too many examples of cash/points/shop modifications (or in Flarum's case, extensions) that have been less than appealing or at the very least being extremely short-lived. I have been using different forum software for a number of years now and have tried my hand at basically all options provided for IP.Board, SMF, phpBB and even MyBB; all of which have looked good on paper but lacked in far too many ways to list here on this topic for the time-being. And by that, I don't only mean specific features.
You have mentioned premium access, by that I assume a fee or charge of some sort to gain access to such an extension? Or perhaps you mean Flarum developing the extension and charging to have it installed on an instance of Flarum? Either way it would not only assist in funding Flarum but would ensure that the extension is created, maintained and offered directly from the source, which I mention on purpose. As a consumer, I want peace of mind that something is there for the long run, or at least not ignored. If I had the know-how and experience to develop such a thing then by all means I'd give it a go but I'm one of the majority who requires such a thing. When I mentioned source, I literally mean Flarum. Not one member of the team, but whoever is, or is to become, a member of the team. It may be a lot to ask and that would bring me to my next point.
As I have explained prior, I'd be more than happy to pay for this to become a reality. But without this post sounding too much like a sales pitch, I'll cut to the chase and provide things I would expect. @Dakoom has mentioned Brivium's Credits Premium add-on. It does look fairly extensive and full on but I cannot really comment on how it would work as I haven't used it in conjunction with my XenForo forum. This topic is more about a made up points system and not one that would take into account PayPal accounts, currencies, etc.
Things to be expected in such an extension;
A way to accumulate points per topic and post.
A shop listing where members can spend their points to purchase particular services, products, perks; basically anything you want. All of which would be added by the administrator.
An inventory listing of things a member "owns" or has purchased.
Possibly a subscription service.
The usual administrative features where points can be awarded or removed by those with the privileges to do so. For example, awarding a member for writing a good post or withholding points for whatever reason.
It would have to be simple and easy to use to sit in line with Flarum's approach and goal.
Maintenance and upkeep to be made a priority to ensure quality.
These are of course points that have just come from the top of my head at this hour of the night (or shall I say morning), but you should get my gist. I know I'm not the only one that would really like to see this request become a reality so I'll let someone else chime in.
