Hence the tracking programs.
Most people are not like you.
Why should they pay for something if they can get it for free, right? The thing is, news articles represent the creative work of writers and photographers, sometimes at great personal risk, and the considerable investment of the news business. They all need to make a buck too.
As you say, the NYT tried the online subscription, and it didn't work. That's because they did it on their own. If a major group that sells to almost all the papers does it, then alllllll the papers will play.
They probably won't charge much, if things break their way and it looks worthwhile. But it will be consistent. 10 cents an article still adds up.