Oh, I don't think I'd pay to have something published. I'm sure I would, if I were more driven to put myself out there, but honestly, I just do it because it's something I enjoy doing, and it's a hobby that sort of pays for itself.
Mostly, I write because it's a part of what makes me who I am. I love wirting stories, and I don't mind when stories get regected if they give me good feedback on why, so I know what the publisher is looking for the next time. I always ask them for any advice or comments at the end of each cover letter, when I respond to a call for submissions. A publisher I know once suggested that to me, and it seems to open a lot of doors actually.