I release a new update. I get a new patron or three. Then the update gets onto F95, I see a dozen new patrons.
I think it's safe to say 90% of my patrons came from F95 to begin with. And those that didn't, now just have one more reason to love and want to support me.
I have a theory that I'm working on. If people know they can get my game for free but still choose to support my project, then that means they are supporting me because they like me and what I'm doing. I don't want people to throw me money just so they can get the latest release. I'd rather have fifty steady, supportive patrons who are in this with me than to have three dozen fly by nighters who are going to pull their support between releases.
If I ever want to do this full time, I need that income to be kinda steady and predictable. In my mind, the best way to do that is to cultivate a group of patrons who love the project, trust me, and know that if I go a month or two without an update, it's because I'm working on a quality release that they'll love. I want my patrons to trust that they'll be rewarded for every minute of patience they give me and that I won't let them down.
I'll take quality over quantity every time. It may take longer to build up a following that way, but at least then I'll know I can trust my patrons and they'll know they can trust me.