Old topic so kinda sorry to bump it, but i think this is a really interesting theme to have been put aside.
If others join the conversation too, i think we can have a really good discussion about pros and cons of each type of monetization, share general tips like content or market-wise.
I'll start by contributing with 3 videos i watched yesterday and giving my overall idea/opinion about the topics.
1) How to Design In-Game Purchases
2) Monetize: The Seven Deadly Sins of Game Monetization
3.a) Doing Free to Play Wrong - How Bad Monetization Harms F2P Games - Extra Credits
3.b) Microtransactions - What Does Good Monetization Look Like? - Extra Credits
MY (read, PERSONAL) opinion on those videos:
Of those 3, i think the most professional and "tip-giving" video is the number 2. I think the mistakes shown are really on point and the strategies shared seemed organic and not so much intrusive.
Number 1 is kinda "ok-ish". Few useful tips but i really hate the way the presentor said it was ok to have "god like" mode on the games. I mean, i know he was being generic and not saying games do need god mode purchases, but the way he put it, that he expressed himself.... "No can do" for me.
Number 3 is the video (i know, two vids... but consider it as only 1 giving pros and cons) that i liked the most. "Maybe" (i know this is the reason, so the "") because this is the way i think too, but that i also think that doesn't hurt players at all. Whoever wants to (and/or can) spend will be spending, whilst not having that huge advantage above f2p dudes. Heck, f2p dudes are needed as much as paying users, and those videos showed this. I REALLY liked how he said exactly what i think but couldn't put on paper: It's ok to sell a convenience but not power. Simply and straight.
By the way, i'm with OP: really hate ads. I know it's a way to earn too, with the impressions or an IAP to remove them, but i share his concern that it gives a "cheap" feeling to the game.