Since the driver in question had no insurance and expired plates yet was still driving, a license suspension would have likely not have detered him either. So I agree suspensions don't work.

I'm not all that concerned about the plates,but there needs to be stringent consequences for driving uninsured, up to and including impounding their vehicle

In Michigan, you are required to have insurance before buying tabs. A whole bunch of shady insurance brokers developed that sold you a weeks worth of insurance, which you would drop immediately after renewing your plates. A large percentage of people are driving uninsured.

I wonder if the reason Mr Fondern never renewed his plates was because he knew he didn't have insurance.

What is he was to cause severe damage to someone else's vehicle or injuries to others? People shouldn't drive without insurance period

Is paying traffic fines like running red lights and speeding now optional?

It's right there on both the front & rear plates.

I understand if he couldn't afford the renewal and decided to take a chance but there is no excuse for not knowing when your tabs are due.