> Literally any alternative you choose is an improvement

Counterintuitive to me would be (1) not listening at all, or (2) torrenting.

I suppose choosing (1) means Spotify has less leverage over the artist, but to the detriment of the artist since they don’t get that fraction of a cent. Additionally, that also means one less pair of ears discovering the artist.

I suppose at least with torrenting the discovery aspect is preserved.

Both of those options are better because they don't involve giving your money to Spotify.