How long back did you use Nord? Their Lynx protocol works very well and never had issues. I’m planning to switch to Proton mainly due to cost saving. Cancelled my subscription to Nord and it’s just a button on the website. Feels the Nord hate is overblown. Would I recommend it to someone doing serious stuff where a leaked ip could mean literal death? No way. But would I trust any VPN out there with my life? Not a chance.
I’m in the same boat. USA here and only the initial start menu tiles had junk but removed them long ago. Next time I go on my computer I’ll look closer. Maybe my brain just auto filters ads out at this point.