There are multiple extensions and VPN products out there (some better and some worse), so why are they choosing who wins or loses here. I know it is because of $, but I hate the direction they have been taking lately.
If they did something like search engines, where they have a large list with someone as the default and the ability to add more, I might be ok with it. But certainly not with this sort of advertising.
The number of people installing adblock should tell them that their users don't want to see advertising.
That money has to come from somewhere; I'd happily pay for Firefox but most people wouldn't and it's not cheap developing a browser.
Their outreach, web literacy, and STEM education work is also not cheap and is doing amazing work.
It would be nice for them to list two or three VPNs they've audited though. Their endorsement goes a long way for many people and we would still have a choice then.
The number of people installing adblock should tell them that their users don't want to see advertising.