...but I think it's more accurate to say someone was always paying,...
I agree with this completely. Someone is always paying, there is no way around it. There is a cost to running the blockchain, it is that simple. The costs being hidden to the average user does not mean they do not exist.
I always write that there is no direct cost per transaction on the STEEM blockchain, not that there is no cost. There is a cost, the question is who is bearing it.
People need to have a bit of patience as we transition away from the centralized world. This is a different arena than most are accustomed to. Many hate the centralized systems where a corporate entity bears the cost of the servers, etc... in exchange for the data they sell. Well, someone has to pay.
Freemium is what people are use to, it is just a matter of trying to find a way to get to that point.
But doesn't this also inefficiently make use of existing resources? For example if someone with 1 milion SP is only using 0.01% of their RC's, vs someone who has like 3 sp but has formerly been a very active contributor of content and is now restrained....? Is that the best use of resources to now cut off the latter?