Why would that be the case? Every modern browser actively discourages visiting HTTP sites so I imagine a non-negligible amount of users decide not to visit the page.

That's a myth. E.g. latest Android Chrome here gives zero discouragement. As is proper.

Haha fair enough but I think we digress. I did get the warning when I clicked.

The point is I see no evidence why HTTP is better for viewability than HTTPS. I showed there are cases where it’s not. You showed there are cases where it’s irrelevant. But the point remains… when is it worse and is it enough to sacrifice the security benefits?

> when is it worse

When browser refuses due to invalid cert. Used to be a thing. Do correct me if it is still not.

> the security benefits?

There are no security benefits for such a site.