To add to the discourse(and please keep in mind that I'm trying to bring another viewpoint, as opposed to actually disparaging either artists or writers - any "you's" are referring to people in general, not to the original poster), I don't fully believe in the fact that all collaboration is about the money. If an artist is looking to get their art out there, but their art skills are skill developing and/or they desire a collaborator, there's free room for an artist and a writer to collaborate despite the fact that no money's changing hands.
However, I accept that there's one case where collaboration isn't a good idea - when either side doesn't have enough to bring to the table(or when the terms of the collaboration aren't considered "equal enough" by both sides). Here's my example: I'm a webcomic script writer, but that means I'm learning the darndest about panelling, layouts, how to make the comic flow, how to COMPOSE A PANEL(yes, I'm oftentimes taking on that part of the job, amusingly enough), etc. The writer needs to be able to do their side of the collaboration instead of being a deadbeat weight, which is why I continuously work on these skills to become an ever greater asset. The artist should(obviously do the same).
I think a lot of this kind of "money or no comic!" attitude stems from the writer oftentimes not (simply) being good enough, A good writer can - and will - make himself desireable for potential collaborators by how professionally he acts, how convincing his portfolio is, and how appealing his writing is. It is up to each and every comic artist whether they want to take up on that chance on collaborating with a skilled writer(emphasis on skilled - raw or beginner writers should keep working on their craft, unless they can find an artist of around similar skill level to collaborate with). Instead of talking about money to those who don't have that to offer(for one reason or the other), I think we should talk about what works and what doesn't. As for the lack of artist "appreciation" that's going on, it is apparent to me from the conversations and arguments about art and writing that neither side truly appreciates the other one's efforts enough. I will therefore add an ultimate clause about collaboration that should work in every single circumstance, so that neither side will have reason to complain about it in the future.
The ultimate clause goes as follows: Collaborate if you want to. There. If you don't want to collaborate, don't despise those who do. They have made their choice. If anyone wants money, let them work on their skills and widen their network until they can make money doing what they love. Accusing the other side of webcomic creation(writers or artists, it matters not) of not paying the dues is simply an act of pride and elitism, and shows a lack of teamworking spirit. If a writer wants to work on an unpaid collaboration, let them - they weren't probably going to pay anyway due to their current life situation, whatever it might be. And if that same writer later gets a job and can pay to have their comic drawn, then great. Money now changes hands. And if a writer can't find a collaborator, they should work on their writing a bit harder until they can "woo" an artist with the quality of their writing.
The problem with excluding anything else than monetary collaborations from equation is that the hobbyist side of things gets thoroughly ignored. However, many of us want to start doing webcomics in a low-stakes environment, and if we find an "artistic soulmate", to do that with, then all the better! Tapas isn't(this far) solely a commercial environment, and it should be respected as thus. It's a ground of equal opportunity to both writers and artists. Once a respect for the other side's efforts builds naturally, through cooperation, we can add money into the equation. But no writer worth their salt will(or should) pay to an artist who despises their craft, and their efforts.
Finally, so that my post won't leave a sour taste in artists' mouths, I will state that I can truly understand the artistic side of things. Feeling your work fall down a drain and being unable to support yourself by doing the thing that you love can be devastating. However, in such a case compassion for other artists, even if they aren't people who draw or paint, is even more important. As for which side puts in more work hours, such things can be measured with a timer. While an artist usually works more on the project, such work loads can be balanced with skillful comic direction and panel thumbnailing done by awriter who knows how to evoke certain emotional responses from the reader. May both sides give each other the benefit of doubt. May both sides not consider themselves better than the other, if their work efforts are equal.
And if they aren't, well... then you make an individual choice about whether or not you desire to collaborate with the other person.