Currently the SEC under rule 501 for Regulation D the bar for accredited investors is set too high. In the age of information, any person, whether they are experienced or not in taking financial risks, whether they have more or less than an individual net worth or combined with spouse net worth in excess of one million dollars, should when presented with a business plan and investment options be given the opportunity to review the plan, company founders, and make their own decisions on whether or not they can invest.
While there are means and mechanisms for individuals to raise money as donations in small amounts, such as Kickstarter, etc., the regulations on public filings prohibit such scenarios where an individual may invest and take risks and earn or lose based on their own decision.