Comment by xpe

This search engine charges beyond the free tier. I’m glad.

Why? An observation. As a consumer, if I pay nothing, then I’m likely to undervalue a service. When I undervalue it, I’m likely to use it less mindfully. Ergo, for more frivolous and unimportant things. This is exactly what some advertisers want: your attention without conscious intention. This is where emotions overrule rationality and open the doors to unnecessary spending.