All of these sounds to me like Google banning people's (talking about publishers in the first place) accounts left and right, while they were simultaneously and constantly changing the rules. You would find yourself banned overnight without explanation and without a possibility to complain or even less clarify the issue.
I know many were abusing the system in all sorts of ways, but I still think it's not how should they operate.
But, on the other hand, I strongly believe, all those companies that hold (this way or another) such kind of monopolistic power, sooner or later would fall through. I think it's just a matter of time when people would finally organize themselves and stood up against all these monopolists, avoiding them in a huge loop and turning to more human alternatives.
Google also thought it's untouchable until he started losing several lawsuits almost in a row.
Today, not widely known, but some rumors are circling that currently is craving for advertisers upon huge drop down (although we are still seeing their ads all around).
So, it seems some things are changing, maybe not in big steps, but they do.
If we stay persistent or even forced (as you did) to find some alternatives or new ways and opportunities, the changes we are looking for would come even sooner!
I agree so much!
I'm never going to stop looking for opportunities. People definitely need to organize so we aren't censored.