Google has been trying to monetize its online suite since 2007, when it introduced Google Apps Premier Edition for $50 per user account per year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Apps_for_Work

> very bad at monetizing their products in general

I'd guess that it's a support problem. It's quite hard to deny users support for paid-for products, and Google tries hard not to provide human support. It's expensive.

Obviously I'd be pleased if anyone has a better explanation ;-)