The problem is that (in the USA), most academic research is funded via taxpayers (either via outright grants or indirectly via student tuition and government tu

The problem is that (in the USA), most academic research is funded via taxpayers (either via outright grants or indirectly via student tuition and government tuition assistance). The professors write and edit and referee the papers for free. Then, that research is copyrighted and owned by a corporation, who is allowed to extract economic rent by charging for access. Professors have to publish in the top journals (owned by these corporations), because that's how they advance their careers. BUT, if all the professors switched AT THE SAME TIME, it would work. If you're the only professor who switches, you're just ruining your own career.