I edited my original reply, I had a typo in the second option.
Its the extra step of having to convert Steem to Steem dollars which I think is the problem. Its easier to understand if you just get paid in steem dollars. Basically for most people its the same as getting paid in dollars (i.e. its worth the same)
I think people would be happy to pay a small % fee for not contributing to the platform in terms of steem power. It would be easier to understand for them. I am referring to people not into Cryptocurrency.