Saying a threat is the opposite of forcing is definitely wrong.
But what is supposed threat about? We are talking about whether or not Google links to a website, which has nothing to do with that. Linking is purely voluntary and there is not even a contract.
Of course, at scale, financial incentives are still very important for businesses, but let's be clear about this. There are no goons or threat of goons involved.
Here is exactly what you replied to:
> Google isn't putting a literal knife to anyones throat, but they are not so subtly suggesting that search traffic is tied to your usage of AMP.
1. Notice the use of isn't. I'm not a native English speaker but it still seems clear that you are reading something that isn't written.
2. The threat of being shunned is still a threat. Also there is something about abusive relationships where the abuser will say: I didn't force anyone, but everyone knows there would have been "consequences" if the victim didn't do what they were told.
