I think the tiered version seems to work well in mainstream, be it X/Twitter or Spotify. Or even ChatGPT. Limited access for free users versus more functions for paid users. I think most of us wouldn't mind paying for something meaningful.
It could be a solution and service could come up with their own ideas and additional tools for content creators. They could offer different service sets for different users for different prices. I'm sure it would push development towards where people need it. At the moment, I have the feeling that some projects develop for the sake of developing to justify DHF money.
I think it's quite an unique system here.. And the DHF money isn't easy to get as well, as we have seen with the Splinterlands proposal.