Back then it was expensive especially compared to just setting up a domain. Plus there are other rules too like having a support staff. The rules force applican

Back then it was expensive especially compared to just setting up a domain. Plus there are other rules too like having a support staff. The rules force applicants to effectively act like a registry company. Just to limit the number of applicants they put all sorts of annoying rules in the books. However companies with too much money in their hands did that and more. Google registered different names just for fun.