I can see this maybe working with a couple of caveats: a) There's a premium paid on conversion over what he/she would have earned in wages. b) There would be

I can see this maybe working with a couple of caveats: a) There's a premium paid on conversion over what he/she would have earned in wages. b) There would be a minimum payment for them even so, which would be almost living expenses. But that's just off the top of my head, there may be legal issues. I think the unfamiliarity issue only comes to the fore if your idea is not compelling enough. If it is, someone will find a workaround.