I’m happy to hear that my fear is justified, lol. But yeah, starting out I was just happy for the validation of people using my things. Now I don’t need the validation; if fewer folks use my app, but those who do pay and enjoy it, well I’d happier for that (and my wife would be too).
perhaps something the same? a cheap/free model for open source projects / schools etc , free for single devs or small shops, and paid for $Corps... yeah, you'll lose a few users from companies who only want something for free, but then, what have you lost, really? If people dont value their own time, thats their choice to make the $ vs Benefit calculation.
good luck