Comment by JohnFen
> What would make you trust a NEW security extension in 2025?
Time. I wouldn't trust it while it's new. I'd develop trust in it over time as I've observed the results of other people using and examining it.
> Would you ever pay for browser security ($3-5/month)?
I don't rent software, so I wouldn't pay a recurring fee. A one-time fee isn't out of the question, though.
> Is Manifest V3's limitations (30k rules, webRequest restrictions) a dealbreaker even for security-focused extensions?
Pretty much, in that I wouldn't be using a browser with that limitation in the first place.
"Thanks for the honest feedback—this is exactly the kind of 'cold water' I need to make sure I’m not building in a bubble.
On the trust point: You’re 100% right. Trust is the one thing you can’t 'feature-complete' your way into. My goal is to use things like reproducible builds and eventually a third-party audit to bridge that gap, but I recognize that for many, there is no substitute for a proven track record over years.
Regarding subscriptions: I hear you. The 'subscription fatigue' is real, especially for utilities. I’m strongly considering a 'pay-once' model or a 'donation-supported' version for individuals to avoid that 'software rental' feeling.
And on Manifest V3: I share your frustration. It’s a major reason why I’m prioritizing a Firefox-first (and potentially a Brave-optimized) version where those restrictions aren't as crippling as they are in the standard Chrome implementation.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share these perspectives—it helps me refine the roadmap before I write too much code."