I think the most realistic option for an instance would be to have toggleable ads (off by default). And if you turn it on, maybe you get a supporter badge on your profile page.
There are a ton of ways to detect ad blockers. They could detect an adblocker, but instead of requesting they turn it off like most websites, just take away the badge.
Some instances may choose to run ads but users will likely just flee to other instances then - as they should.
I think the most realistic option for an instance would be to have toggleable ads (off by default). And if you turn it on, maybe you get a supporter badge on your profile page.
People would just turn it on and use an ad blocker to get the badge.
There are a ton of ways to detect ad blockers. They could detect an adblocker, but instead of requesting they turn it off like most websites, just take away the badge.
Or just use an ad blocker (as one should be doing anyway)