Hive requires buy in to become a consumer.

How is that different when compared to the thousands of people dropping massive tips constantly upon streams for example, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars annually? How is that different compared to the thousands of people supporting a content creator's Patreon? How is that different when compared to one purchasing movies, games, subscriptions and so on?

How is that different?

The consumer is no longer spending their money or throwing it away or burning it on something like entertainment. They're literally earning to support content. This behavior turns the act of consumerism into something productive for the consumer. Something never before seen in history so I understand where your confusion comes from.

Maybe take a closer look at the broader picture.