although i do have an issue with the exhorbitant amounts they charge, but that’s a diff issue
That’s exactly where you missed the point; shadchanim do not get paid sufficiently for the amount of time they put in.
You think this plan is ridiculous because they should basically do it for the mitzvah.
You probably also think that rebbeim, moros, rabbonim, shochtim, mashgichim, sofrim, etc. should work for below living wage.
I’m being too strong; I know – you probably don’t really think that way. But it’s really the same; the reality is that people do better work when they’re properly compensated.