One thing which seriously improves my experience is using the "Block element" feature on non-ads as well. Suggested videos, youtube shorts, banners, etc, all get blocked. Leaves the site much more lean and leaves less distracting visual clutter.
I use this strategy on a lot of sites (which sadly includes stackoverflow lately).
Potentially, for now I can get away with my custom filter list :)
I generally try to limit the total amount of extensions I have on my browser, to a list of tools I feel that I can trust. I apply the same mentality for dependencies in my software. Limits the surface area for supply chain attacks.
If I right click on an item I get a block element option in the context menu. But that doesn't seem to make them persist. I usually use it to make irritating popups go away that I'm to lazy to read or that seem intentionally confusing since it is less mental load to just zap it blindly.
I use this strategy on a lot of sites (which sadly includes stackoverflow lately).