A while back, I took a hard look at how much I was spending on trading fees.
You are focusing on the wrong thing. These platforms need to make money too to stay in business; the harsh economy is not only affecting individuals but also these companies; they need the fees, else they will collapse.
Focus more on increasing the profit you make, so you don't have to worry about the fees these platforms are getting.
Do you think anyone who focused on the profits these companies makes would eventually make progress especially in trading?
To me I don't think anyone should be focusing on the amount they made from people who are using the platform rather, it is better to focused on self development and how to be more productive with their trading to keep earnings and covers up their trading fees. It doesn't make sense to trade and keep losing instead it's better to have a good trading skills to keep one earning good amount from trading not to focused on the amount the company are making.