How many writers can actually earn a living writing? Did any of them before the big publishers and mass marketing? (I don't know the answer, I am honestly wondering). I would guess that most writers had other means of support (Jane Austen, Mark Twain)
Maybe an author could set up a paypal site and specify the amount in donations he must receive before he digitally publishes his book. He would get all the money, this way, and as he becomes more popular he can raise his prices to all the market will bear. Because he is paid in advance, DRM would be irrelevant. A new writer would earn his following with initially free offerings. Reviewers could earn trust in their reviews and recommendations, and charge writers/ readers for their recommendations.
There are authors I would personally hand 20$ if they would write another book.
There are also books I wish I'd never bought.