[sbarre]

Sure, I guess you could see it that way.

Some people, on the other hand, like to reward others if they enjoy the product/service/performance they provide.

That's the nature of "pay what you can". If money is tight, then don't pay, and don't feel bad about it. But if you have disposable income, and you value the experience, then give what you can as a form of gratitude.

It doesn't need to be said that if everyone took the "it's free so I don't have to pay anything" route, then there would be no show to see.