I am a n00b here at Steemit, and very glad just to be a part of it. I don't pretend to understand the larger issues, so I'd be a fool to take sides, but I do understand very well when you say "there is no such thing as a free network".
This same issue applies to the F2P model in online games - if you are not paying a subscription, then you are the product which the game company is selling.
Much respect to all my fellow Steemians.