I actually agree with this thinking [as if that actually matters, especially to me!!] as many of the region size malls and such builds prefer connecting to grids like Metropolis, OSG, Francogrid and Craft and they are all fine by that, afaik.
I think this land rental concept is a good one and if priced accordingly, others should follow along.
This is similar to what Kitely will be doing once HG is enabled there. There really is no technical reasons afaik to not open to HG and then just promote such things as events or land pricing that is in line with current trending or some Artist installations or whatever is interesting about a grid, in order to get visitors.
I think more will be doing this over this year. It is mainly, I think, a matter of grid owners understanding this.