I think that's a totally valid perspective – and I agree to some extent. There are absolutely things about the internet that are better today than the way they used to be.
As for the micropayments thing – I couldn't agree more. Jaron Lanier has had a lot to say about that, and I remain hopeful that someday we can find a functional model other than advertising.
The one thing I would like (but will never get) is the way to pay directly for more things rather than pay indirectly with ads.