I seem to remember Stallman suggesting a busking model where you could watch/listen all you want but there's a button you can press to give some "internet bucks" directly to the artist.
The problem with a flat rate is how to distribute it. If you split it evenly amongst all contributors then you just get a lot of shite generated by everyone who wants a slice. But if you do it "per listen" like Spotify then it's massively unfair to newer artists while artists like the Eagles keep raking it in even though you've probably paid for Hotel California about ten times over at this point.
I agree it’s a hurdle for new artists, but don’t think it’s unfair per-se.
If the Beatles, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, or others have content that continues to provide enjoyment, why shouldn’t they continue to benefit financially for that fact? I don’t care how long it took to write and perform a song; I get benefit from being entertained not the work that went into it.