Also, I don't see why them taking on a risk of printing upfront should be offloaded on the author through smaller fee.
If an author wants access to the distribution network of a certain publisher, they must pay.
Ever wonder why the biggest authors don’t simply run their own publishing houses? They understand the value provided. And they rarely if ever reach 50% in royalties (I’ve never heard it, in many decades of following professional writing).
What I do find is authors generally have no idea of the value provided. In which case they’re welcome to self publish. But self-publishing rarely results in great sales either.
Both avenues have pros and cons. That said, I’d likely still choose a publisher, since my time is also important, and I’d prefer not having to be average in a dozen skills when I can invest effort at being much better at a few.
Most authors don't do all this guy did. Most simply write the text and leave it there. Publishers do everything else this guy did to move the book.
(I've written parts of several books, and have received small royalty checks for well over a decade)