I've only recently entered Tapas, so I didn't quite know the specifics when it comes down to the amount of active subscribers, and the technicalities of the current subscription system, thank you for pointing that out to me.
Conversely, I would like to observe that there are quite a few potential readers who would convert to being premium members, given more original content and variety for target demographics.
There is also the constant factor presented by the potential for readers to cross-over from competitor sites, such as Webtoons, tumnlr, reddit etc. from following their favorite creators' and their series'.
Alongside this there are plenty of other factors to consider with regards to the exact number of active and potential readers, as such a thing follows various trends. This too could be completely altered with a new economic model.
However that being said, even with the smaller active reader-base, the integration of a subscription based model would offer a firmer economic foundation in the long term.
Whilst simultaneously providing extra incentives for users to become more active and seek membership by way of cheaper entry prices and more malleability with what they can read.
Lastly the premium subscription model type has a tried and tested track record, and is only growing more and more, to the point where such a model is the rule. it's been effectively accepted as standard by it's users.
However, I've been convinced that employing this system now would be premature, it is probably a goal that could be more realistically met, when Tapas has grown more as a company.
I appreciate the time you took to point out the flaws in this perspective.
-Pablo