I understand where your coming from but the money helps people stay active and gives people an incentive to stick around if they are winning or losing. Plus it’s only $10 not like it’s a $100. It’s the only way you can get a group of people that are willing to stay competitive and active for years to come.
For example I’m in a madden online franchise that’s been together since madden 16. $20 entry. I put my trust into a stranger and now some of the people in that league are some of my good friends and we look forward to our madden league every year.