I can rephrase if it makes you happier. In the business world, as far as I'm aware, interest free loans are nonexistent. You either give up equity or you pay back the loan with interest.

The proposal doesn't add value, that's the problem. They are reusing Splinterlands assets and claiming they have layed a golden egg. The DOA/community has no obligation to bear the development costs of this game just because they are using Splinterlands assets and may or may not bring additional people to the game. They have no idea of knowing and their sample size is entirely too small to be making any claims.

While I agree the DOA in isolation is worthless, I disagree that focusing on financial return is wrong. While the DOA can be charitable, it isn't a charity. If it doesn't guarantee it's longevity via financial success, it won't be around very long.