Vendor Question: ClickBank Affiliates or PPC?

Hi there--I recently created a product and am wondering how best to handle the sales aspect.

I initially decided that I will put my ebook on the ClickBank marketplace, due to the ease of all the payment processing and affiliate network. But as I was going through WF, I saw a handful of comments on how product creators should forget about affiliates, not give the crazy commissions, and just work through building out their own PPC campaigns and growing organic traffic sources.

I have a great and stable traffic source, my content sites have become evergreen in my niche, and I have a sizable following.

It has been many years since I worked with ClickBank, and I had a great experience as an affiliate, but I have read about all of these crazy policy changes over the past 3-4 years and people disliking the network. After receiving requirements for my sales page and product, I checked my competitors and they do not follow any of CB's requirements--like badges and disclaimers and even FTC regulations!

This makes me a tad anxious about how potential affiliates may advertise my product. But I also don't want to create a high barrier for entry.

• What are the benefits of ClickBank? What are other options for product creators?
• Are affiliates mandatory in converting sales?
• Is Facebook/Adwords/Bing PPC a better strategy?
• What are other options for trusted payment processors that can handle refunds etc. automatically, or with limited management from me?

I honestly thought I had it all figured out with how I wanted this--it honestly felt like a no brainer. But now, I would really appreciate insights from the community.

Thanks!