Cosmetics.
Let’s offer paid cosmetics for users of your instance. Animated or custom banners, posts, new themes, etc.
It’s a model that works really well for Discord and League of Legends. Instances offering to sell aesthetic luxury to their user base could work for Mastodon too.
It’s non-invasive, it’s optional, it’s a great addition for some people, and it allows to raise funds to keep the hosted instances up and running.
Do you think it’s viable?
I honestly was not sure if it was a serious post or not. Opening with “cosmetics” is odd to me.
And the drive to “monetize” everything – stop it. Ask for money or sell things or do what you want on your instance – no one will care. (well not true, most of the fediverse will likely block you, but I could be wrong).
Your righteous indignation is tiresome.