I am completely for the principle of 'Release software to repositories; voluntary suggested donation'. However, in practice the method of attempting to give voluntary donations is far too difficult and time consuming.

When downloading from the app manager it is unclear if the developer is soliciting donations and how to pay the developer. If you download many applications trying to find this information out becomes time consuming to the point of giving up. Ideally there should be an option in the package manager to donate to the developers of the software in your list of downloads. This would be a big change and unlikely to be a short term fix.
Alternatively I would suggest a quick simple web page for the different apps seeking donations.

I did 'ask the council' about this a few days ago but so far no response.