Apparently, some Patchers accept personal donations
(I can name 2, just refer to whdload.de ReadMe's).
I think the idea (if you don't like the word "advice") is to have your "champion" spend more time patching games than he actually does (or trying to pull him out of retirement). That could increase the chances our requests are examined, if my reasoning isn't totally out of place.
On the other hand, I am quite sure some well-acquainted gamers contributions (with docs, originals) are not weaker incentives than money.
Then comes the exposure of the reasons why we would like such obscure or bashed by critics game to be WHDfy'd...