I guess I don't like the focus on economic arrangement (payment). because... i find the relationship to be most beneficial and hence reflecting on the payment kind of demeans it / undermines it.

(I know that many therapists have a rant on how payment helps them feel valued and helps the client value the therapist and so on and so forth. i feel that this is largely their attempt to justify their focus on money).

I don't think that any relationship (any healthy relationship) is unconditional. i think there must be limits. therapist punches me in the face - therapy is over. i don't go back. i punch therapist in the face - therapy is over. i don't go back. any healthy relationship needs limits... if therapist is only there for the paycheck then (in my experience) therapist isn't really there. and if client pushes the therapists limits of what they can get away with in therapy... well... there are some limits that result in a termination of contract (ugh how economics).

being nicer to others...

an interesting take on therapy :-)