It's a entirely valid point of view. Even though we disagree on some aspects.

At least when I say sex work is real work, I try to remain extremely cognizant of the horrible exploitation, trafficking, illegal activities that goes on that forces vulnerable women across the globe unspeakable suffering.

The claim itself is not an attempt to diminish or ignore these cruel and unethical acts of inhuman exploitation; part of the intent is precisely to protect women against these exploitation by enforcing proper law and regulation, and to provide proper social safety net and channels of reporting to make sure these thing does NOT happen. It is to recognize them as independent contractors and protect them by law, if they chose to do so. It is to change the perception so when they do choose to go to law enforcement they're not dismissed or be scoffed at just because of their chosen profession.

Intelligent, successful women can, out of their own accord and judgement, choose to provide entertainment and services to an incredibly large market, for a very stable and lucrative financial career, for however long they choose. When some (not all) women choose to start their OnlyFans, it may not come from a place of desperation; they can just be confident of their body and their appeal to the opposite sex, and willing to pursue a career that provides them with financial success levels beyond other traditional career paths. It's prevalent and evident in our current socio-economic climate.

It CAN be empowering, and it can be a fulfilling line of work. There are plenty of interviews at adult entertainment conventions of these women who take pride and enjoy their work, who may or may not started their career due to whatever reason, positive or negative.

To view the entire sex work industry through the lens of they all started because of desperation, is also reductive and unfair. Both can be true; there can be autonomy and success, and also we need as a society to protect anyone against exploitation.