Net result ? What is wrong with Avast ? Answer = absolutely NOTHING.
Agreed..!!
Well I have only been using Avast Free for just short of 17 years, but what do I know

In all of that time on all of the different OSes and systems I have used it on, I have never been infected. For me it has stood the test of time, but it won't suit everyone. Anyone that just says it is cr4p, without giving details, is giving an opinion without foundation.
For something like an Antivirus, it is a pretty personal thing and it must suit your needs and use. Avast suits my needs, requirements and is highly configurable to my requirements.
No point in getting avast free and complaining about in-program ads (happens on many free software programs), not that I'm in favour of them all, but I don't feel I get that many.