>what is there really to offer that 4-ch doesn't?

An admin that isn't a pussy that doesn't allow posting lolis, even drawn ones?
Piracy?
Posting without captcha?
Ability to edit and delete your posts?
Having javascript functionality built in into the board instead of forcing users to install userscripts, which isn't even possible on most mobile browsers?
There are tons of ways to improve, I just don't want to either selfhost or pay.