And I suspect they really preferred to pay. Using public domain stories enabled others to easily produce cheap knockoffs legally, and they did. So, for instanc

And I suspect they really preferred to pay. Using public domain stories enabled others to easily produce cheap knockoffs legally, and they did. So, for instance you you had direct-to-video, cheaply made versions of "Cinderella" which were an attempt to trick unsuspecting buyers who really wanted the Disney version. When some work is still under copyright, that makes is a higher bar for knockoff producers than for Disney. Disney has more money, more and better lawyers, and is known for the quality of its work, which makes it in a better position to negotiate the rights.