If your software requires continuous updates and development (as all web connected software does), and requires servers and moderators to run, then it has costs. You either pay those costs directly, or you let advertisers pay the direct costs and you pay the advertisers with your time and attention, and they’ll corrupt the server or software you’re using into maximizing engagement.
Other people need to stop acting like all software automatically justifies subscription pricing.
If your software requires continuous updates and development (as all web connected software does), and requires servers and moderators to run, then it has costs. You either pay those costs directly, or you let advertisers pay the direct costs and you pay the advertisers with your time and attention, and they’ll corrupt the server or software you’re using into maximizing engagement.