I believe that the executives should be compensated accordingly. They are running a multi million dollar business. I would not want a second tier manager looking after this, and that's exactly what you would get paying less. They are charities, but they are also a business. That being said, I believe that they should be held to a higher standard to stay within a set % of operating costs. If I feel that my donation money is not being directed to where I think it should be, or the administration costs are too high, I will stop donating to said charity.
As far as the $25 fee goes, it has been addressed that it helps keep people committed. Although a small fee, imo, if you pay that, there is a better chance of showing up. Just my $0.02.