Not an unknown business structure. E.g.: I hold a party and charge an entrance fee. The early arrivals are in an empty room. If nobody comes after them, they

Not an unknown business structure. E.g.: I hold a party and charge an entrance fee. The early arrivals are in an empty room. If nobody comes after them, they won't have much fun. If you arrive after a critical mass of people is already present, though, the value of the party is instant. I guess the difference here is that people know how parties work in this respect; this business may not have been so clear.