I run Pi-hole too, can handle much more than the hosts file of a windows computer. It was a while since I used the hosts file to block ads but at that time the computer could lock up quite a while now and then, and the problem dissappeared when I cleared the hosts file again.

It's realy neat to get autoprotection for all your devices at the same time with the Pi-hole.

Just ad uBlock to the browser to remove the rest ads and get a much smother web experience without distractions :-)