You have more direct control over your product. Whereas with being VC backed there is that expectation to do what is considered "profitable" by their own metric

You have more direct control over your product. Whereas with being VC backed there is that expectation to do what is considered "profitable" by their own metrics. Granted, bootstrapping is a long and arduous process, but I think the trade off would be worth it, as you would have the final say.