I think that is exactly the point: they all used to offer full APIs to attract users, and they do not do it anytime not because no one is using it but for the opposite reason.
And if you think the arms race to hide ads on the Web as a whole is somehow similar you are missing the point. Yes sure, the more people use the extension the less ad money, but guess what—platforms find ways to work around that, lobby for new browser specs, etc.
If it remains the main revenue stream, money will find a way, so that root cause should be eliminated.
And the outcome could be a unified single interface that can tie together your social communications across different platforms—if it were possible, would you not use it?
I replied to a very specific part of their comment, I have not been rooting against the proposition of opening up walled garden.
If "I" would use it is entirely irrelevant, all I meant to point out is people don't flock to better alternatives just because they exist. I think that most of them not even be bothered (or knowing to) de-clutter their Internet browsers is a good example of that point.
And if you think the arms race to hide ads on the Web as a whole is somehow similar you are missing the point. Yes sure, the more people use the extension the less ad money, but guess what—platforms find ways to work around that, lobby for new browser specs, etc.
If it remains the main revenue stream, money will find a way, so that root cause should be eliminated.
And the outcome could be a unified single interface that can tie together your social communications across different platforms—if it were possible, would you not use it?