The concept of micro transactions isn't the problem imo. The lack of automation is.
If there was a browser plugin that automatically paid up to x$ if an authorized website asks for it, but never more than y$ per month that would be a good compromise between subscription model and single article purchases. There would be the initial authorization, but after that no further interactions. The news website, instead of displaying a paywall, could talk to the plugin to facilitate the payment.
As long as you'd be fine of loosing up to y$ in case of a bug/hack/whatever this should work fine. If publishers were to increase prices they had to fear to cross the yolo-line of x$ and the user being explicitly asked for consent, that should keep them in check too.
If there was a browser plugin that automatically paid up to x$ if an authorized website asks for it, but never more than y$ per month that would be a good compromise between subscription model and single article purchases. There would be the initial authorization, but after that no further interactions. The news website, instead of displaying a paywall, could talk to the plugin to facilitate the payment.
As long as you'd be fine of loosing up to y$ in case of a bug/hack/whatever this should work fine. If publishers were to increase prices they had to fear to cross the yolo-line of x$ and the user being explicitly asked for consent, that should keep them in check too.