I look forward to hearing the argument that society should indefinitely bankroll large symphony orchestras at good salaries, but I am skeptical that it would actually convince people. It seems to me that outside of the very rich and the very old, the popularity of classical music has dramatically among audiences. "Think of the oboeists!" is not necessarily a winning campaign slogan. I mean it when I say that I hope this changes, but I don't see how it can unless classical musicians find a way to actually appeal to a broader segment of the public.

Attitudes about this vary a good bit depending on where you're at around the globe.

It seems like society has done their thinking and made their decision

Yes, socialism which has succeeded in precisely zero instances.

At the end of the day, you eventually run out of other people’s money.