Iused2nothat said:But the primary station is not allowed to provide any funding for the operation of the translator (legally). That is the problem.
The NAB pushed these rules through the FCC in the early 90's to protect their member's franchise from 250 watt competitors.
Even if it were as simple as that, what you describe is within the intended purpose of most trade associations.
Look how the domestic car manufacturers and the domestic steel companies in decades past lobbied to have tariffs increased on foreign cars and steel.