It is perhaps more accurate to say that the inflating prices are being used to artificially create scarcity, manipulating you into wanting to "get in" with a me

It is perhaps more accurate to say that the inflating prices are being used to artificially create scarcity, manipulating you into wanting to "get in" with a membership before the deadline. As for the given reason for charging, "serious" job seekers will pay... Seriously desperate ones, who haven't been able to get jobs anywhere else. The best candidates often don't use job boards at all, because they don't need to, the companies look for them, but by charging, you are guaranteeing that the top quality candidates will not be participating.