Why have LM requirements increased over time?

I think it would be better to encourage them to earn FIDE titles at that point. I personally consider lichess as only part of the 'chess scene'. OTB still has its place and it's healthy to encourage taking part in such tournaments. Also, it is easier to verify that stuff when it comes to OTB. Besides, LM was made more for people like Blitzstream who have quit the scene and no longer pay the fees for their FIDE title.

You actually have to pay to have a FIDE title?! LOL! How much does it cost?

@ FireWorks : Of course you have to pay something ! Nothing is free in the FIDE world !

look here : chapter 8:www.fide.com/component/handbook/?id=3&view=category

Application Fees for Titles and Licences

8.1 For the application of titles, the following amounts will be charged to the federations of the players concerned, provided these applications are filed at least 60 days before the start of the annual Congress:

(Woman) Grandmaster: 330 Euro
(Woman) International Master: 165 Euro
(Woman) FIDE Master: 70 Euro
(Woman) Candidate Master: 50 Euro
International Arbiter: 100 Euro
FIDE Arbiter: 50 Euro
International Organizer: 100 Euro
FIDE Senior Trainer:300 Euro
FIDE Trainer:200 Euro
FIDE Instructor:100 Euro
National Instructor:50 Euro
Developmental Instructor:50 Euro
School Instructor :30 Euro

That's for women, what about men?

Grammar 101 with Uni: The brackets means optional. Both women and men version of the GM, IM, FM and CM titles has the same application cost.

@Hellball: Many people would like to play otb but can't, or find it impractical. Personally, I live far away from any tournaments. And even if I didn't, where's the harm in having online titles to aspire to as well?

Easier to verify otb titles, you mean in terms of cheating? If you're going to allow one online title... you might as well allow others.