> A visit still helps them - it is still counted in server-side stats (which is used to sell ads

This is totally nonsensical. If they have no prospect of recouping the expense they incurred from your visit then you are not helping them, you are worse than worthless to them, you simply cost them money.

> Are you saying it is moral for publishers to track my usage behavior, and to force me to watch any ad they want me to?

You aren't being forced to watch anything. You have the option of leaving their site and living without their content.

Your attitude is the definition of entitlement.