I am a Geni Pro member and I understand the need for any company to generate income to survive. I do have a few ideas that I would like to suggest for your consideration. For free members, it would be very helpful to me if you allowed them to confirm (not initiate) merge requests and add their immediate family members (parents, siblings, and children). It is an obstacle to gathering information without these features available. My feeling is that with the current membership structure you won't get these low interest members to pay the fee, and it will hurt your ability to keep and get more paid members.
Another idea I had is that you might want to consider another membership level such that would allow a family membership. For instance, I might agree to pay more (within reason) if you allowed the descendants of my 2nd great grandparents full access.
I really enjoy Geni and want it to continue to be successful.