However, most non tech-users I know will simply enter their email and a password because it's so simple and they don't see the problem with this dark pattern.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/block-quora-login-...
Maybe if I can actually have a grasp of what quora can do for me BEFORE subscribing I might someday consider joining.
PS: This is exactly the same crap for web based startup, usually the more they hide they're "sass live demo" under a trial subscribe-wall, the more I'm supspicious. Often with reason as product are shitty. When on the opposite you have a big "try me link" (and possibly even a "see the source on GitHub") I already have a good impression on the product...
(this is also why sign up process is complex)