I don't think it's worthwhile, although it is designed in a way that will reinforce feelings that it is worthwhile. People who shell out money for a product are

I don't think it's worthwhile, although it is designed in a way that will reinforce feelings that it is worthwhile. People who shell out money for a product are more likely to run towards the product versus more or less identical free alternatives. This creates a feedback loop similar to how people on subscription plans like Amazon Prime will check out Amazon first.