I think the big difference is what the companies stand for.
If the CEO of The Anti-Spyware Company comes out in support of Spyware, is that not significantly worse than the CEO of The Spyware Company doing the same?
I supported The Anti-Spyware companies because of what they believed in. Now that is in question.
FWIW I don't use Proton but switching to it was in my 2025 plans. Not so sure about that anymore..