I agree. If you want the benefits of hypertext and http as a medium then the downside is user agents can modify what you send and render as they see fit.
This has nothing to do with the technical aspect of it.
Like what, a paywall? So only people with disposable income like the HN crowd has access to information?
Patreon for voluntary donations seems to be working quite well. Also affiliate links and custom ads that are actually approved by the site creator.