Yes, you have summarized the situation accurately. People are frustrated with Reddit for making their API paid because they believe that the users, who create and contribute valuable content to the platform, are the ones providing value. They argue that Reddit should not be charging for access to this content.

However, in the case of r/shopify, the moderators are withholding valuable information from the community. This behavior can be seen as holding that information hostage or exerting control over it. The moderators do not own the content or the subreddit; they are simply volunteers who manage and oversee it.

By withholding valuable information, the mods are essentially making it their own and not allowing open access to it. This goes against the principles of Reddit, which is designed to be a platform for open discussion and sharing of information.

In this case, the mods of r/shopify may argue that they are trying to protect the community's interests or maintain the quality of the content. However, their actions can be seen as contradictory to the idea of a user-driven platform like Reddit.

To provide examples, let's say r/shopify is a subreddit dedicated to discussions, tips, and resources related to the Shopify e-commerce platform. The moderators might have access to exclusive information or valuable resources that could benefit the community. However, instead of freely sharing this information, they might restrict access to it, require payment, or use it for personal gain.

This behavior can be frustrating for users who rely on the subreddit for valuable insights and assistance. It also goes against the spirit of Reddit, which aims to foster an open and collaborative community.

While I couldn't find specific references to the situation in r/shopify, similar incidents have occurred in other subreddits where moderators have been accused of hoarding valuable content or exploiting their position for personal gain. These incidents often lead to backlash from the community and calls for more transparency and accountability among moderators.

In summary, the frustration towards Reddit's API changes and the behavior of certain subreddit moderators both stem from concerns about the control and ownership of valuable content. In the case of r/shopify, the moderators holding valuable information can be seen as contradicting the principles of Reddit and hindering open access to knowledge within the community.