With the rise of AI-content, G is no longer able to distinguish between helpful content and "less" helpful content, IMHO. There was a recently published study
https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/17/google_search_results_spam/about that. Now, they need to take dramatic counter-measures. They accept that SERP variety degrades, but with the benefit of more quality (and you can still get the variety, by clicking the ads in the SERP, as accompanying way ), according to their definitions. Nobody will run away from G. Anyhow, other SEs will probably follow their model.
Strict rules and commercialization is their way, probably a smart way, to fight the AI threat and to enforce quality. Your site does not qualify? Your bad in their eyes.