Couldn't we bootstrap some sort of IPFS-like solution for file stoage using relays? I would suggest something like:

- Store 50MB / public key / first month free

- Invoice users via LN after 1 month / over 50 MB / per day

- Non-payment -> deletion

- Default redundancy is 3; clients announce desired redundancy and relays fullfill and invoice. Client may optionally select specific relays to store files.

This would allow easy on-boarding / trial.

As for relays:

- Relays "sync" files like events (pin file; store locally)

- Backup relays charge less and don't have HTTP gateway

- Normal relays charge more, and have HTTP gateway

- Competition between relays for cheaper / faster storage

It should be easy enough for a relay to "discover" how many others already share the file, and which relays the user is paying to store the file (LN invoice).

Since most users upload and view images and videos, a small surcharge could cover not only storage and bandwith of data, but maintenance of the relay.

Over time, more users will run a local IPFS-like note (like Bitcoin node) locally, and not only support the network, but:

- earn from selling space

- pay less, or nothing for browsing themselves

Over more time, events could migrate to the same mechanism.