I don't disagree entirely, But seems to me methods have always been value for value—or some attempt at it—since the dawn of humankind. If not value for value then what else?

I mean I like the idea that more and more online creators will be able to make a living directly off of community appreciation and without the need for any sponsor in the mix. I'd imagine many future Nostr creators will be able to do so, and definitely the creator world at large ought to be rebalanced in that direction. But I think many creators will still need multiple income sources, a mix of zaps, sponsor deals, ad revenue, collaborations and so on.

And if a sponsor is going to pay a creator then the value that sponsor wants is—well it's sales. And sales don't happen without awareness. And the seeds of awareness aren't meaningful unless they're planted in fertile minds. And in a high enough number of fertile minds. So value for value there too.