force companies to provide ad free options with realistic pricing

It's one way, but not necessarily the only way. There should be an option available for the people who do not want to be distracted by advertising.

I'm sorry but I just don't buy that (and I pay/have paid for many subscriptions for product that have ads-based versions).

A business choosing to be ad-based is the business's problem. A person choosing to not experience ads is that person's problem. They just don't want to do business with each other and either party should have the freedom to make that decision.

I do think a lot should change around advertising, tracking, etc. For example: I think you should be able to set an option on your browser that says "no ads" that sites legally have to respect (even if the result is the site replies: "no content without ads"). At the same time, I think people should have to "declare" their ad blocker use.