[jfengel]

I think the status quo exists as a more-or-less stable equilibrium between those forces. (Plus another equilibrium of people wanting to get paid for content and the people who don't want to give cash but will sell their attention and privacy.)

It's more than just familiarity. It's what works.

If someone had a significantly better alternative I think the world would jump on it. But many have tried to disrupt this equilibrium and failed.