I only use it to play games with 4 other people regularly and another 2-3 people sporadically. When it becomes a pain to use, well move on just like we did with AOL Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Team Speak, and however many others we've used in the past. Something else will come along. It works great for now, but we aren't loyal to it. We're loyal to playing online with each other. I would honestly pay $5 a month for a decent program, should no free one be available, but I'm already cutting out multiple streaming services, satellite radio, and all sorts of other shit because commercials are too annoying.

April Fools?

I wish I had enough time and knowledge to combine mumble and revolt.. That would be the perfect discord replacement.

Actually, I just want 1) gaming voice chat with 2) a shared music bot which 3) my non-tech friends would want to use

Is there any alternative with screen share feature and music bots?

the desktop versions of AdGuard can filter requests from the desktop version of discord

There's also services like adguard DNS and nextDNS that can help cut down on any bullshit like that.

Adblocking needs to be multi-layered just like antivirus protection

Will using the browser version with the usual array of ad-blocks help?

....Maybe I should try to make an account on one of those competitors... what's it called? Revolt or something?

Discord has a monopoly on the organized group chat platform, there isn't a competent competitor, or at least none I'm aware of