but how can we create a real economy where both clients and relays can earn enough... how do we move from "free" social media (can we?)

what about in-client adverts or paid subscriptions (to remove adverts) where client shares income with a list of trustworthy relays?

i know im thinking very traditionally but are there really other options here? 

 My gawd this sounds shit.  Nostr is doomed if the brightest minds working on it have no new ideas.