Yeah, it's something worth further thought. Somewhat related is this comment by @JohnnyEnzyme@lemm.ee to @FauxPseudo@lemmy.world on a c/Heathcliff thread about communities that are kept alive by a single poster:

This is a distinct problem I’ve discovered as someone who aims to post daily in my Euro-comics community-- that while it does gradually increase the subscriber count, it also (speculating here) tends to create a userbase that’s content to sit back and let someone else do the work.

So, psychologically and motivationally, I’m thinking it might even discourage contributors, especially since I try to research well everything I post, and usually post multiple images. Not unlike how you always add the reference comic as well as frequent bonus content… plus the funny comments, of course.

In other words, the two audiences are getting quality stuff without needing to lift a finger. Where is their motivation supposed to come from, daggit?

That's a great point, not sure what the answer is.