Google charges for web programs

BBC NEWS | Technology | Google charges for web programs Hmmm… we’re currently using Google Docs for a number of joint projects; I use Gmail – I wonder if they will ultimately maintain the free versions.
This does raise the whole question of a business model. The free versions are ad-supported; many, like me, use Ad-blocking software to prevent the adverts being seen. Is this a form of “cheating”? Should we continue to expect to have freely available software? After all, someone, somewhere has to pay.