> A different monetization model is easily conceivable that gives paid users better functionality instead of (what the author calls) "aesthetic perks" that only serve to evoke class envy, as if like jewelry.

With a group of friends we subscribed to Nitro to boost our private server's capabilities, which we use almost every day so the "better functionality" is definitely there.

Quite tired of this particular author/blog on HN and their edgy take on everything.