I often watch the ads in order to support the creators and don't skip ads unless there are more than 2.

As for the changes in marketing and the monetization. I have realized that not accepting change has it's consequences and also you lose on the first mover advantage. I mean think about hives payout model and patreon, for years I watched it but took action last year or so. Going late gives reduced rewards so moving as the change comes is necessity.

I think intrusive ads these days are replaced with influencer marketing. I am pretty sure the Listnerds can break into this and model like "earn Hive to send and read Ads to the list" would work as it benefit for the both parties.