You've absolutely nailed it, man. I've seen a few writers give up along the way because it costs an awful lot to subscribe, but they can't enrol to earn anything from the partner program.

And the other factors, you list, they're real like hell. I haven't bothered to try out many freelance platforms online because of where I live. It could be heartbreaking knowing you're disqualified from competing in a race. So why bother?

I'm blessed I'm almost making a full-time income with my medium earnings (when converted to my local currency)