Among other things, the stipend approach trivializes the liturgical action by making it a commercial transaction.  "You pay for what you get" is the direct opposite of the gift approach that is inherent in all the sacraments.  Fr. Karban clearly describes the problem and its centuries long, deep seated misconception within many who remain the Body of Christ and People of God.  On the face of it, priests who accept stipends are under suspicion of de facto simony.  Perhaps we need an ecclesiastical Grand Jury to investigate the practice and the practitioners.