I think it's sad when people are driven to sell their blood because they need the money. In the U.S. it's even sadder because these are the very people, often, who cannot afford the blood products derived from the plasma. It's exploitive.

HIV testing in the 'window' period (under 6 weeks) is only 95% effective. That leaves a lot of potential for disease transmission. Even after the window period, tests are only 99% effective. Still has the potential for transmission in that 1%. It would be nice to have as healthy a pool of donors as possible.

Congratulations on being a donor in your younger years. The world needs donors :)