the trend seemed to be that enough people tolerated it to make advertisers and sites double down on it
I don't think that's what they're saying.
“As people watch more video on phones, they’ve come to expect sound when the volume on their device is turned on.”
Sure, when you watch a video you expect sound. That has nothing to do with autoplay, or expectations about websites in general. They're only answering the question they wished was asked, and consequently, people get played when they have the same interpretation as you did.
I don't think that's what they're saying.
“As people watch more video on phones, they’ve come to expect sound when the volume on their device is turned on.”
Sure, when you watch a video you expect sound. That has nothing to do with autoplay, or expectations about websites in general. They're only answering the question they wished was asked, and consequently, people get played when they have the same interpretation as you did.