I believe there is future in an extensive global repository of astronomical data, not only for pretty pictures that we all love so much, but perhaps one day someone could find ways of utilising such data for more scientific purposes for the benefit of humanity
Maybe including tutorials on data processing and a place where data could be "donated" and thus be free to use, could potentially help to increase traffic?
As for buying data, well, robotic networks are getting more popular, where one has no opportunity to tweak the gear but simply just clicks a few buttons and a telescope on the opposite side of the world does the rest. I did not like such experience, but there are many who do use robotic networks regularly.