Successful subscription models have been employed in the past. A lightweight paywall intended for a large user base covers operational costs, weeds out users who are just there to spam or troll, and reduces policing. It also cuts down or legitimises multiple accounts handled by the same user.

Popular reddit accounts sell on ebay so it isn't like nobody out there has money. Go ahead and downvote me. I feel the same way about it as I do when I try to explain the failings of Bitcoin. There are people passionate out there about whatever.