I disagree.  I think the commercial-sponsored avenue is the way they want to continue.<p>When you provide a commercial-free option, the only way to squeeze more revenue out of it is to raise the subscription rate.  But if you normally serve commercials too, then you can double-dip: you can <i>occasionally</i> raise the subscription rate (which risks angering your customer base) or you can simply add another commercial or two to a break.<p>And if <i>that</i> pisses off your customers, then it&#x27;s easy for them to go to the commercial-free plan.