Like the guy in the story (a most touching one), I think a good number of the freelance workers are doing it for the now, with hopes of getting into something better when they have some savings. Many around here are diverting to ecommerce sales.
The writers of both stories did some serious digging in. Kudos to them. It's a pitiful situation but very many traditional companies, especially in developed nations treat their workers no better than this. Personally, I really favour affiliate marketing of all the online business models, although good for you if you can run a site and make money via adverts or selling your own products. But the market is generally saturated, will take a lot of hard work.
As for crypto, right now, I honestly cannot say whether it's the quickest means to riches or to a life of poverty. Anyone crypto-blogging, which is also demanding/time-consuming, had better have a 'real' job. I only hope it pays off in the long term.
I guess for me, freelancing led to savings which I invested. That has provided some limited income however, like you said crypto seems to be both an opportunity and a potential life of poverty. I certainly would not start borrowing to support my crypto day trading habit at this time, lol.
I'm not sure what my next project will end up being. I have some software development ideas and a window of opportunity to get busy on something but I would rather not go back to freelancing or working for clients.