You are asserting that they don't work without explanation or evidence. Meanwhile it isn't clear why they wouldn't and indeed they appear to accomplish the stated goal of severely rate limiting scrapers.
Oh, no, that isn't how it works — you made a claim first (albeit indirectly), with no evidence. It's on you
Still, I'll humor your absurd request by reminding you of the many success stories that have repeatedly made the front page of HN.
Beyond that we have cryptocurrencies. If you have knowledge of a generalized solution for defeating PoW schemes then why are you posting here instead of making yourself a billionaire?