This article omits the fact that fees are not paid directly to the advisor but rather to the advisor's firm.  Nor does it address the cost of running an advisory business.  

In the case of bank owned firms the house takes 50% or more of the fees charged.  Independent firms (non-bank) take a smaller portion of the fees, on the order of 20 - 40%.  

Bank owned firms take a larger percentage of the fees because they typically provide the advisor with an office, supplies and equipment including desk, phone, photocopier, etc., and support staff.  In the case of independent firms the advisor is left to cover the cost of these items themselves.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that a business has overhead to cover.  This is no different than getting your oil changed.  $300 at the dealership, $49 at "Quickie Change", or free (plus the cost of oil) if you do it yourself.  It's all a personal choice.  Just be sure you get value for what you pay for regardless of the service provided.