Yeah definitely. If we assume that advertising works, then it follows that the total sum that all advertisers pay is extracted from all users in aggregate, only

Yeah definitely. If we assume that advertising works, then it follows that the total sum that all advertisers pay is extracted from all users in aggregate, only in a roundabout way. If we outlawed advertising totally (which is more severe than what I proposed in my first post) then it would just mean the hidden cost (or damage, in some cases) incurred by users due to advertising is made explicit. If that means some people won't use some services, I would say it's only fair, it's better than tricking people into paying for stuff indirectly.