Alternatives to subscribing to Tidal via Apple?

Yes. Absolutely. Tidal direct.

Also, if you are in US, check Best Buy website. Fantastic deal on one-year Tidal Hi-Fi subscription:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tidal-hifi-music-12-month-subscription-starting-at-purchase-auto-renews...

Qubuz forever

+1 @fuzztone.  In fact, Qobuz just sent an email that if you’re paying the 30% Apple surcharge you should cancel that first and then just sign up directly on the website.  They even included the link to Apple showing how to discontinue subscriptions but A’gon won’t let me copy it here.  Maybe this is fate giving you the opportunity to dump Tidal and their ridiculous MQA nonsense and switch to Qobuz.  I did and am much happier, and it’s cheaper too. 

I also prefer Qobuz and at $14.99 a month it's a steal. I had no idea Apple was doing that it's totally shameless.

Thank you all! I will re-subscribe with Tidal and then look into Qobuz.