I had a subscription for many years
I loved that magazine and learned a lot from it. Then Astronomy magazine came out and, imho, bested S&T in the eye-candy department. To a young amateur, great articles and images can be very inspiring.
I’m saddened but not surprised by the changes to the publication that you describe. I’ve watched the same happen to history-related magazines. Advertisements dominate and it seems that quality writing will be included only when it can be made to fit. I wonder how many young people, looking for information and inspiration, fail to find it in what these magazines have become.