But is it really? All the incentives seem to have brought out a lot more models than when there was only thingiverse or github without incentives. On balance, it seems evident that hoped for personal gain is a greater motivator for the majority of people than just sharing alone.
In my case, I’m adhering to my fusion360 license, which states I can’t get any pecuniary benefit, so that means I either give it away directly or else make a point of posting to a site that can’t or won’t give me rewards. That way, AFAIK, I stay within the EULA. To me, fusion360 is more valuable than whatever paltry rewards I might otherwise garner. I don’t fault others for pursuing gains, though, if that’s what they want to do. It seems as though some of the authors have raked in quite a bit of loot with the incentive structure, and more power to them as far as I’m concerned. Rah rah. Go for it if that’s how you’re wired. On the whole, it seems we’re all better off for it.