I'm no dev either and agree just cause someone else does it doesn't make it right.

The point isn't free here though, it's freedom and if you read what the devs are saying lately ... the hardware and software you and I are using to send/store our messages currently has no long term funding.

So they are talking about different models that might work. Subscriptions, ads, vc funding, donations through open sats etc.

I would personally be ok with a fee structure on zaps...