The founder could have FU money, still draw a ~50k/yr salary and keep their spending at the same level. The only difference is that if circumstances change the founder is still secure instead.
I think he would still rely on the month to month or year to year income rather than being completely secure.
I personally think that the founder should have enough money to never worry about money, or at least have a big buffer.
If at some point in the future for whatever reason Lichess gets less donations, he could be screwed.
On the other hand if he had a bit of a warchest he either has runway to increase revenue or to find another source of income.
And the answer in question: https://old.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/mpasyl/i_started_lic...
"That's my salary before income taxes. I think it's about right.
Could I make more by selling my skills to the highest bidder? Probably.
Would I be happier? Hell no.
The way I see it, that's a lot money for a job I can do at my own rhythm from the comfort of my home. And instead of bosses or clients, I work for an awesome community."
