Context:
After evaluating the DockerHub Verified Publisher Program and receiving a mail with "it costs as little as $5k per year" I have come to the conclusion that it's not worth it
For large companies that serve many customers 5K per year is a drop in a bucket. If it provides their customers with a more secure experience, it is worth it.
Looks like there is now a subscription program. imo that’s much better than it used to be at least for Insta (apologies for the link; not sure when it changed so that’s the best quick search).
To be fair, they are providing several services with it, along with the data hosting. Being verified also means you get boosted in search results, with comes with more downloads. So at least the cost can be somewhat justified. Whether it's too much is valid for debate.