Yes, it's always been that way with LWN and the contract is that as a subscriber, you don't take the piss. It seems to work well I think. LWN get's citations - basically internet points for news sites, we all get info/news and crucially LWN gets paid. I think that attitude also gets LWN a lot of kudos because they have somewhat decoupled their subscriber income from their content. Here on HN you are reading LWN subscriber content with their blessing.
I've been a low level subscriber for 20+ years now. I remember when it seemed the financial model came very close to unravelling - 2002ish. Despite that, the apricot coloured site has managed to flourish and continues to flourish.
> The following subscription-only content has been made available to you by an LWN subscriber.
Looks like someone with a subscription submitted the link to HN, allowing us to read the article.