Agreed. I am in the process of posting all of my short stories and novellas here, free to read, but have made only pennies on them so far. The most any one post has made is $10.45, the next largest is $2.30 or so, the rest are less than a dollar at the time of writing.
I am content to give my work away. But, as you can confirm for yourself, it is of a quality that merits more than pennies. I would be happy as a pig in mud just to make enough from my work to live comfortably and continue writing until I die of old age. It is frustrating to see only a handful of views on any of my stories while posts like "I got hacked but am still here" and "look at these photos I took while traveling" make enough money to pay off my student loans, shelter, clothe and otherwise finance my basic needs for many years.
I am not entitled to money. I am not even entitled to bare acknowledgement. It is just disheartening to toil in obscurity with nothing to show for it. I have received no shortage of gushing, glowing reviews from the few who are aware of my work. I have been told it was life changing, and cherish the opportunity to make such an impact on the life of even one other person. If my basic needs were met, then fan appreciation would be the only additional "payment" I could ask for, as it is supremely fulfilling to strike a common chord with others and to bridge our minds, however fleeting that link is.
There is always short term pain for long term gain. The existence of this type of platform is proof enough for me that we are at least stepping in the right direction. It will take time, but the effort is well worth it.
Just be patient and continue on making great content, one day you will just be surprised, It will all bear fruit.