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When presented with such a proposal I often ask the proposor if he/she had the money to set up such a scheme would he/she do it - the answer is usually no.

When doing some research into the Spanish system a few years ago I came across a fairly unique way in which they appear to fund legal aid.

From my understanding they basically 'taxed' winning litigants (at the time it was 5% of damages) which in turn the money collected and ring-fenced was then 're-cycled' and used to back cases with reasonable prospects of success.

This solution backed with ATE then meant a growing pot would be developed, protected and therefore eventually become an adequate 'fighting' fund for those without means seeking redress. It meant the state could supply a type of 'crowd fund' from people who after benefitting from legal aid could in some way give something back at a proportionate cost.

Not perfect in a civilised society but fair in my mind.