Other people will make a different decision. It’s how it should be
This is an aspect of the predicted changes I can at least appreciate. Choice/consent. There should already have been obtained and informed consent. But instead, they just did it behind people's backs. I say that because I don't think most normal/non-tech people really know or care much about cookies and all the ways this stuff actually works.
If Lemmy has a few ads on every page
Ahhh! No please :) ...but I understand. Unless these people (hosts) are getting those services paid for by something else, they might need to cover the costs of this like anything else. I really enjoy Lemmy because, at least right now, I feel like it's in the true spirit of the internet and not a business. It can be for community and discussion like you said. Only reason I'm here. I like asking people why they feel a certain way about things and hopefully walk away with some understanding.
I think those are good examples, thanks.
Off topic: I don't smoke, but do generally hate smoking so much. I dislike the smell, and the affects on people around the user, like you said. I appreciate vaping. Not because of some hopeful idea that it would be safer, but cause I either can't smell it, or it smells like cotton candy. Who doesn't love the smell of cotton candy?
Also, props for quitting all the times you have. I'm probably majorly addicted to caffeine. Like smokers tell me they have one first thing in the morning, coffee is the first desire after I'm out of bed. I've already limited myself to two-ish cups/day, but I don't think that helped. Coffee also has negative effects on others...fortunately, my wife has coffee breath too :)