Yeah, we also use something like this for building a website/webapp (for a client) with 5-10 people.
- Feature branch: do whatever you want
- Develop: should be good enough for the client (product owner) to look at
- Release branch: should be good enough to be tested by the test/QA team
- Master: should be good enough for website visitors
Branches are meant to be shortlived and merged (and code reviewed) into develop as soon as possible. We use feature toggles to turn off functionalities that end up in develop but can not go to production.
Maybe there is a solution in making the financial situation about a creator more transparent. Then I would pay if their minimum is being threatened; or only consume if they are wealthy enough.