Google won't accept a gmail.com for a new Google address

Slightly off topic, I've noticed recently Gmail is getting quite aggressive in inserting ads into my emails (over the last month or so). They seem to have decided direct monitisation trumps user experience. It's pushing the jump ship point for me.

can you post a (sanitized) example?

The bad news is they're not listening and they don't care.

The good news is this is something you can solve very easily:

https://www.outlook.com/

I am a big fan of Fastmail. You pay for it ($40 / yr), but IMHO it's worth it. Not sure what sort of deals they have for businesses.

Then you just make a Google Apps for Business account...