I guess it's a way to keep the weirdos out. Some might be willing to pay that money just for the opportunity to be surrounded by likeminded individuals.

Well, if it's at a venue, they have to rent it out.

There's one in copenhagen where you have to pay to have a picnic in a public park :D

the gentrification of boredom?

is there anything that can't be repackaged and marketed to a consumer.