There's pros cons to both approaches. but in general, real freedom involves someone paying for resources.
either a server, or as a service, or as a blockchain
But also I definitely agree, that when a service is for free, while using a lot of costly resources, most likely we are the product. (Google, Facebook, X, ...)
The problem is, that all social interaction platforms have strong network effect, as long as they are happening through walled gardens. And when any service or application wants to compete with a strong network, which is offered for data, it is hard to request people to pay with money instead of their data.
So I think some way like nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnddaehgu3wwp6kytcqyquzncqw9dlcr7205ygrah5rhc03gpey9xwf5dej769t6wxrqaf9un4zfcm or nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnddaehgu3wwp6kytcqyzd7y9s35dq5ym53gcjhc4qhnc3dz79m04qsdcj8mhe72pahnpdxktmzs3c are using it can be seen as ideal. Where they look for a consistant income through payed services and donation, while offering free plans, to onboard new users. Like an investment for the lack of networkeffect.
Discussion
Yes invitably someone pays always. Most important is to know who pays and with which intention. And what opportunities exist to fullfill this intention.