Not necessarily. Perhaps in some issues, but not all.

For example, in the May 1 issue, the puzzle and the Across clues occupy the right two-thirds of page 70 while the Down clues occupy the left one-third of page 71. Consolidating the clues and the puzzle on one page would require no changes to the size of the print. Merely move the KC BBQ ad from page 70 to page 71.

I agree with those who theorize that ad placement is very intentional here and that a one page puzzle (sans ads) would likely decrease ad revenue.