About 7 months later here I am reading and responding to this story. I can't speak for all people who are FOM status, but my choice to read, comment, clap, etc. hasn't changed. I still read whatever story seems to be interesting to me. It doesn't matter what status the writer is.

I feel the same about those who react to my stories. I appreciate them whether they're FOM or just a regular Medium member. While I did earn more from FOM readers it ultimately doesn't matter because at this point I have yet to even have a single month where I earn $10!