Thank you @exyle for this very detailed and concise info. I have been struggling to understand the drama behind the 70% layoff of workers. Now I know it is as a result of the full nodes cost.

First, let's realise something quickly here that if not for the current situation of the market we won't be privy to the current state of Steemit Inc. about to go bankrupt as a result of maintaining the nodes. So, a big thumbs up to Ned for being so bold to lead us on...

Meanwhile, your suggestions/options are laudable but I would agree with the third option - charging developers for using their full nodes.
Since the apps created by the developers on the blockchain charges (maintenance fees) the content(s) created and consumed. I see no reason why Steemit Inc. shouldn't ask developers to fix their own fee for using their full nodes too.