Concern about expenses is understandable but you're right, it is not going to change. I think most contractors just do what I do, which is to have clients pay for expenses directly as much as possible, or to include expenses in the calculations of their rates and quotes.
For example, I provide free server space to my clients. I pay these expenses myself, but it is just the cost of doing business, and it is a small cost relative to my earnings. Similar to contractors who pay for software such as Adobe Creative Suite, in order to provide the services they provide. These are not expenses we charge clients for directly. But if a stock photo is needed, for example, best to just have the client buy it directly.
