I imagine it works like video games; they get initial the money from folks with deeper wallets or greater desire for that product, then everyone else can pick it up the more affordable ways a bit down the line. There are plenty of materials that I just wouldn't pay for that I own because it was...
I only ever run pre-written adventures if it's for an RPGA-type event, and I don't purchase them. I think I own exactly one issue of Dungeon, but have a huge pile of Dragon. I'm much more into tools, systems, and patterns as a DM. Something like "Try pairing up environments and monsters for...
Paizo is a business. If the money-paid demand is high enough they could do a cash-up-front Kickstarter, it just requires enough reward to outweigh the risk.
I was at 5 when the first packet came out. Did a whole bunch of design work in anticipation, with tens of thousands of words written.
Between the drama, the spell-centric design, and the butchering of Planescape, I only really care for popcorn reasons. Now I play Pathfinder 2E, and the future...
The amount of harm is incredibly different. Please just do not do it. Equate it to something that does not frequently involve war crimes and other horrors.
Overall we need there to be a president who is motivates and able to advocate for the games and players as long term strategies that should not be sacrificed for short term stock bumps.