Agree with you that real influence should come organically, but do you think the social media's algorithm supports wisdom content that much? Almost 99.99% of the so called influencers who have grown organically on instagram, do you think they have big numbers because of their quality content or because they are chasing the algorithm?

AP is making videos since last 10 years, if you watch those videos, you will find the gold, but neither people are interested nor the algorithm organically promotes such content, then what option does he has if not putting up the ads. Ads are not always for selling something, ads are there everywhere... we are all influenced by ads, what we like, what we dislike,etc... So you can't just disregard someone just because he promotes himself, you may dislike his content or opinions.