I think the main problem with paysites being in-demand is that they make realistic popular hairstyles (like certain celebs wear) and most free creators have unique styles that dont fit everyone. I love nouk, but her hair isnt for everyone (it is for me though, i have pretty much all of them lol). And there are a few great hair meshers on mts2 and stuff but they only seem to make Anime hair styles and only for boys :|
I think because when you go pay.. it's about the money.. and you make what's in demand.. whether you consider making it fun or not fun. I make stuff as a hobby as all free creators do, so I just make what I want in my game and don't care about what other people want to see. If people share my taste, I consider it a very nice bonus. XD
I do try my best though, to make stuff dual gender. So all my hair is male and female. (Although it's always under male at MTS2 because they don't have a "unisex" section for hair downloads). I'll most likely make hair that is less anime later on, as I've got a lot of ideas.. but when it's not anime, I do fantasy... so my hair will still always be.. unusual. XD
I suppose pleasing the masses all the time is something that sell-outs do.. and selling out is only something that happens in exchange for money.. stating the obvious XD.
Anyways, I think as a creator/artist in general... I like having my own thing.. or something I'm known for! Those big paysites are all the same.. none of them have a special "thing" or style. Freesites have styles and uniqueness. If people look for me when they want to dress up their anime fairy sim or whatever, I think that's cool. I can be known for that and quite happy about it. <3
I suppose we need a good free creator who has passion for creating... popular hairstyles like the pay ones... but I can't really think of one... I REALLY don't find myself having fun making Paris Hilton Hair er.. whatever. lol