"Is the only reason our entire zero-reward open source system stays alive is because nerds are economically irrational and just want to have fun while turning a

"Is the only reason our entire zero-reward open source system stays alive is because nerds are economically irrational and just want to have fun while turning a blind eye to being exploited?" I would say no, because at least to me it seems like those who are just building applications by "gluing libraries and APIs" need to be compensated more because their jobs are much less interesting both in terms of the actual work and also to future potential employers. I would definitely take a pay cut if I were to be allowed to work on something more interesting provided I still have enough to survive. For those "nerds", why should it bother them that other people are profiting from their work? If anything I would think it should make them happy to know that what they built is helping others all the while keeping them entertained.