I ran a test where I removed all ads from the first and second fold, including comparison tables, trying to verify if Google has a negative attitude toward early calls to action (CTA), aggressive monetization, and link density overall.
During the tests across over 40 sites, I found zero correlation. Everything remained completely static. The experiment yielded nothing. It lasted for more than 3 months.
I put the table back and realized just how awesome it works! Clicks skyrocketed.
Previously, over 4 days, there were an average of 237 clicks: (223 + 249 + 250 + 228)/4 = 237.5
Over the last 4 days — 577: (637 + 610 + 507 + 555)/4 = 577.25
Growth amounted to 240%!
Such tests, such results. I ran this test at the expense of my revenue so I could earn more later.