> I'd rather pay for a search service that values my time and provides real utility, than endure the hidden costs of 'free' services.

How much would you pay for Google search without ads? Or more importantly, how much would the average Google user be willing to pay?

If you live in the US and click 3-4 ads per month, you're generating ~$10-20/mo in revenue for Google from advertisers.

(Like you, I would also love to pay for an ad free Google, but sadly advertisers are willing to pay Google a lot more money than consumers are willing to)