I definately think one of the most revolutioning things happening during 2005 was the emergence of sponsors for flash games like Games of Gondor (later Armor Games) and Crazy monkey games. There has been sponsors around for a long time but now every Tom and Dick and Harry can have and has had their game sponsored, and I think it's a great thing in many ways. Finally, you get paid for your hard work, instead of just the occasional nice review (among the abusive ones) from the 15 year olds you're doing your best to entertain. I would NOT be making games now if it weren't for the sponsorship money and this money I hope will help me out throught the end of my education.
What's sad about the sponsorship though is how it's all about the money now... And how it's not OK to put the NG logo on your games any longer because the sponsor might object. I have NG to thank for basically everything I've ever made in flash and I think it's sad I can no longer pay tribute like I'd want to.
But nevertheless, I think we have to embrace the sponsors despite the objections noe can make, because hey, they're putting food on the table for a generation of flash makers.