Could I ask a counter-question? What's better: a mandatory subscription fee or an optional donation?
Or what other alternatives are there for developers to avoid starving?
1) Subscription
2) Donations for cosmetic items
3) Pay2Win
4) Paid add-ons
By the way, experts, am I right in understanding that WoW charges for both 1 and 4? :)
In my opinion, a subscription is better. Moreover, there are games where even people who don't invest in the game can buy a subscription (they indirectly pay for it through others).
The question is, a subscription requires a strong and large game, while smaller and medium-sized projects can more easily attract people to "try it for free."

В тихой однообразной жизни всегда так бывает: каждый отдельный день бесконечно долог, но месяцы и годы мчатся с непостижимой быстротой.
I wanted to offer you some flowers, but a crown would suit a princess like you much better
Смысл жизни в том, что жизнь на тебе не заканчивается