Valid argument, that stay true as long as the majority thinks like that. As a looooong time lurker on tmo i feel your pain.

But one lesson that life told me: "growth is only vital if its steady".
If a long nosed german can become a successfull freelancing sushi-chef, all that is needed to become a successfull independent developer in this small ecosystem is letting all conventions fly out of the window, find new ones and rock it steady.

It is a given fact that you will need to find new ways to finance this ecosystem as old structures are made to benefit the few.
Which is contrary to the idea of FOSS development.

imho Jolla could NEVER have a competing business model in an app-store, so they refrain from doing it so much.

They are counting on you to find a way.
Flattr integration is the right push into that direction.

I am a flattrer since 2011 and am happy to be able to now share my monthly amount to others than awkward funny youtubers and "i make a living from flattr" podcaster Tim Pritlove :P