I think I remember having an issue with verifying my identity once but the second time I tried I didn't have much of an issue. Fairly certain it was a month or so apart so maybe they changed the process?
I use two separate browsers myself because Firefox doesn't have the ability (as far as I'm aware) to have two (or more) browsers with separate instances/icons for different profiles that are taskbar pinnable (separately)...
The most egregious thing OP has done however is centered their taskbar as well as left the search bar visible
Also saw ads when it was in beta. Switched to Thunderbird that same day. When support for Windows 10 dies I'll be switching to Linux on my desktop. Ads are stinky
It took me too fucking long to figure out what an "airuner" was...