There’s nothing stopping everyone contributing right now. I’ve been doing so on Subnet Management proposals for weeks without any extrinsic compensation (out of a passion and desire to learn more and more about what makes the IC tick). In doing so, I’ve also intended to demonstrate aptitude for the topic I’ve applied for. I’ve also repetitively invited others to do the same, but with very little participation so far (I’m not sure why, are you?).
I think the thing that should be emphasised is that with these grants the IC will be moving towards a more decentralised state of governance than it has now. That’s great, and should be applauded. I’m sure there’ll be more of this to come.