The companies do what makes them the most money. You can be guaranteed of that. If The Atlantic could make more money by doing what you suggest, they would be doing it. Their revenue department isn’t dumber than you are. The fact that they are dealing with Taboola means that the alternative (not dealing with Taboola) would cost them money. The Atlantic has to pay the bills, and catering to the wishes of snooty readers turning their noses up at sources of revenue like Taboola links won’t help The Atlantic keep the lights on.