I think in all actuality, that most people that complain about the sponsor, have not read the installation of plus! carefully, installed the sponsor, and felt stupid they did. They blame someone else to not feel stupid themselves. Because lets face it: it's VERY clear in the installation what you are choosing for. I should know, I've installed the sponsor and uninstalled it about 40 times + by now.
Another thing, is that most people that complain about the sponsor haven't actually used it. The sponsor is a light version of a heavier package. Simply stating "that's not true" is kind of bold. Have you actually tried both?
People keep comparing plus! to other sites, freeware and offers, and conclude that there would be many other options to gain revenu from plus! in different ways. Yet I haven't seen ANYONE actually GIVING those options. If you present an arguement, back it up with facts?
Those who know Patchou, know that he spends a full daytime job on Plus! They know what resourses are needed to keep Plus! running. Combine two and two together and you realise plus! will have to bring in some form of justification to be there, no money = no plus! Of course an option would be to let people pay for the download. (I hope Patch doesn't see this comment
) but what's worse? People having to pay for something, or sponsor plus! by watching some advertisements, advertisements that aren't even abusive or of nasty content.