Speaking as a fairly average user, not an SEO expert, I don't think that is the issue. Say I want to figure what rice is good for risotto I'll google around and read some stuff / maybe watch youtube / check reddit and I don't really care if the articles are search engine optimised or not.

What I won't do is click the "Buy superbrand rice now!" link. I'll maybe google brands and stockists and get some from Sainsburys or wherever. It's more users don't like "Buy now!" more than users don't like SEO.