I think it's a bit of a trick because instead of just blocking the page unless you're inside the paywall they let you download it and then whip it away from you

I think it's a bit of a trick because instead of just blocking the page unless you're inside the paywall they let you download it and then whip it away from you are you're reading it. Designing something to deliberately annoy people when they could just be upfront about things seems like a tricksy way to behave IMHO.