https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/diaz-to-atallah-et-al-14mar17-en.pdf

Dry read, so I will sum up the best parts. :)

"the RySG is acutely aware of the need to focus on reducing the costs for registrants and end users"

"how could it [registry] reasonably be expected to compete on price with legacy TLDs?"

"operators believe ICANN fees have hampered their success and put them at a competitive disadvantage"