Well you need Helium to use the network so at the very least there is that. Maybe you can get Helium by setting up your own node(?), if you need to use the network. It make sense for you as a user to add to the network so you can get some Helium. I don't know the accounting but I think there is a possibility for it to be less expensive. I really don't know a lot but I do know that it's a self improving network so in time the economic parts will work themselves out.

I also believe that the current model of setting up networks can't keep up with a self improving network. Imagine a network that's always a top of the line network. That grows or shrinks as needed. Who will have the resources to compete with it?

Does it have to be a lower price if it works better?

Uber / Lyft is often more expensive than taxis, once the VC funding dried up.

That said, I still generally prefer shared rides cause it is an easy app to pull up on my phone.