I think there’s an opportunity cost not considered explicitly here, which is heavy users of YouTube (such as myself) find $13/month cheaper than wastes time wat

I think there’s an opportunity cost not considered explicitly here, which is heavy users of YouTube (such as myself) find $13/month cheaper than wastes time watching ads. If I added up the total ad time I’d have to see on a free account, the math would heavily favor paying to not see them vs my (or really most software engineers at the level of YouTube I consume)’s hourly rate. It’s made decisions much easier for me if I take my hourly post-tax rate and compare it to services I’m using. If math works out, it’s generally worth it. I’d love to fight the good fight against ads and stuff, but between working 9-5 and a side business, relationships, hobbies, I just don’t have the time.