> their cost of operation is still something most people can afford: approximately $30/mo now.
Your definition of "most people" must be very different than the literal meaning.
I think that's unfair because most people won't run their own relays any time soon, but rather rely on a local enthusiast.
If $30 a month is too much for you, then you probably should be doing something other than trying to run a relay. It is just not a significant amount of money.
How about, less than what many people pay for a tank of gas?
Most people won't do it, but they don't have to, and it's not a particularly expensive hobby.