Agree, plus VPNs also heavily depend on one's threat model. Not to talk about some websites are already blocking services if a VPN is used. Additionally VPNs do not protect from fingerprinting, so it is quite questionable to pay for a VPN service. Thus best to opt for free options.
Those who are more tech-savy will probably setup their own OpenVPN network by getting either the credentials from trusted sources or setting up servers across the world.
Though in the end, it is always a question on convenience vs cost.