I think i read that the polyurethane started yellowing over time? did you experience that?

Polyurethane yellows but I think it is only apparent on shades of white or cream. When I painted my floor a cream color and coated with polyurethane it yellowed significantly but seems to be very durable.

I don't have experience with regular paint, but I can recommend the kit that Rustoleum sells for countertop refurbishing. I had excellent results; there are several steps but in the end the counters looked like new. Check UTube to see what's involved.

You cannot use just any paint - I think the Rustoleum kit is a good place to start - However, keep in mind this is a short term solution as many tend to fail in 5 years or less depending on the wear and tear. Do not do this to sell a home - buyers are not happy to see a painted countertop.

Oil based polyurethane yellows, water based yellows much less.

There are some very inexpensive laminate counters at the home center stores - the stock laminate and it might be worth looking at what it would cost to change out to something like that - significantly more durable.

I cleaned well first - I think I used TSP; then I sanded well and cleaned again, and then lightly sanded one last time and wiped the surface well. Then, I used a regular acrylic paint, and a many coats of a poly designed for sailboats (light sanding in-between coats). It lasted for the 8 years that I lived in the house - the new owners knew it was painted and said they loved the surface.