Honestly, I upgraded my subscription not because of the benefits I could get but the benefits I could give. So, if I'm to ask you a question, "Did you want to support other writers without aiming to fill your pocket?" If your answer to this question is yes, then go on and upgrade but if it's a NO, then I will encourage you to reconsider.
Secondly, some friends of the medium build a community with fellow friends of the medium, which means more earnings, though, I don't like that concept.
I see joining FOM as joining Medium upper league; you either play the league you are familiar with or if you think you have what it takes, you are always free to become Medium's friend. 😊