This is the sort of business idea that I’ve thought about that commercially would work but I just can’t do it due to morality.

I see Reddit posts all the time offering to do work for free. I’d only take them up on it for an open source project (they retain copyright) or some charity thing. Never for something I’d profit from.

Not all compensation is money, so your premise is deeply flawed. Value can be provided in many forms. For someone with zero or little relevant experience, having a good recommendation from someone at a large company can easily separate you from the crowd. What about your tech companies giving 20 hour work "exams" as screening? Guess what? Many times, those are REAL problems they are looking to solve. There is nothing wrong with this from my eyes. If someone has skills, and just no connections and needs a break to get into a world they don't know, this is a great way to do that. Plus, I'd be happy to mentor someone who shows excellence, work ethic, and drive.

So, I'll be using this and making sure those that need help launching their desired career have a chance. Instead of just getting $200 for a project and still having nowhere to go. What's more valuable? Access to a network of connections and a recommendation, or $200 one time?

If someone in such a position let’s say on $200k/y won’t pay $200 and if the job is any good then recommend them, well ... I think that sucks.

I agree, fiverr and upwork at least compensate the people doing the work. If the marketplace is getting a cut of the money, why shouldn't the people completing the projects get some money?.... Seems very backwards