I know I'm being simplistic here, but there are 2 distinct models that MOST business owners in this industry follow.
Those that care about the surfer first and foremost are in the "paysite business".
Those that do not care about the surfer first and foremost are in the "credit card processing and risk management business".
Both are sound and profitable business models. Where one might say some practices are questionable or unethical another might say it's legal ... and ethics and morals are a matter of opinion.
I remember reading a quote somewhere that said,
"The corporation cannot be ethical, its only responsibility is to make a profit."
Also,
"When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses."
People make business and personal decisions based on their on comfort level and risk tolerance. It's not all black and white ... there's lots of Grey in between.
Personally, I see the positives in both business models. One is not necessarily better or worse.
