Might make it more of an option since you could view this instance as a road to the federated instances.

Just so happens this instance is about FM, hy!

Maybe being able to donate towards hosting is an option. And if donations only cover that each month and then cut off, no profit is being made. Only costs covered.

If Premium was a third of the price it is now, I would pay the monthly fee.

But the price they want for it is ridiculous, so it is not happening.