I love MD because it respects release policies, doesn't threaten my computer's security, advertises the sites that release the content, and organizes my reading list of 480 something mangas- from a conglomeration of other sites- in a user friendly format. As far as I know, everyone can and does get this service for free- my condolences if you are an exception.
While I am ignorant to the whole story surrounding the current turmoil, I believe it is perfectly logical for such a quality site to receive compensation for its service. While MD doesn't make its own content, its service as the universal forum for all manga is second to none. I believe it might be fair if the other scanslation groups get a cut of the revenue produced, much like youtube (without the stupid demonetization bs), and noninvasive ads or other similar methods would be realistic, but MD deserves to get paid.
Also, with such a big cash grab like Solo Leveling (favorite series btw), it would be silly not to get some form of ad revenue, and MD 's completely nonprofit version, hosted on a far more popular forum than the scanslator's site, likely detracts from the profits. If mangadex generates profits from this, and the scanslator gets a cut of the cash, its a win win. Its not like MD would be stealing money from them; MD would ensure a larger audience for the advertisements, which the other site won't get on its own, and would deserve money for that service.
Thank you to those who make these mangas, and thank you to MangaDex for delivering them!