I have experienced gliding clubs which were
not state-supported, and those which are, and made a massive difference -
particularly in provision of good gliders, etc. It might not look like a
lot, but everything that removes friction and improves the pilot experience
makes a difference in the long run.

There's an axiom: If you want more of any type of behavior, subsidize it. A
self-evident truth indeed...

Lotsa examples out there, and soaring in Germany, especially, is historical
poster child No. 1. Whether one perceives that as a good thing or a bad thing
or somewhere in-between, is another topic entirely!