I just looked up the initial release, it was in August 2001. I don’t remember the first time I used it, but it was probably 20 years ago. Still remains my favourite for the reasons you mentioned.

Yes and no. I probably am a bit better off than my parents, but they raised 4 kids and I raised none. My Mom was mostly stay at home (went back to work after all us kids moved out). My spouse has a good career, which is an added bonus.

Maybe just be a better person and forget the extra security?

I use “Feeds”. Click on the menu, then select Feeds, and then Friends. You will still get ads, but it is much better than the default feed.