Oh! I know what you are talking about. Many people painted wallpaper that was on the walls too. It was way easier than peeling it off, right? I have taken some of that off and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I poked holes in it and wet it with a spray bottle and used a spatula to take it off.
Okay, it wasn't easy, but, doable.
"Supposedly" if the wall was prepped before the paper was hung, it should be easy to strip, however, the industry didn't know all about that for a long time, found out the hard way, but sometimes still didn't prep to save money. What did they care about when it came time for change, which always happens. I have stripped some that came off easily in nearly whole sheets and others that every little tiny smidge had to be forced off. It is impossible to tell which way it will be till you try to get off that first piece ! I have some in this house that is still smooth and hung well that would probably allow painting over easily without stripping, but some other, that REALLY needs to come down, whose seams are loose and .... well.... what a job ! That's why it has not been done yet.
In my current situation and age, I would much rather throw some money at someone else and have them do it. LOL !! Easy Peasy.....
Or... do a strip a day or so... I have had the tiny little peelings that are as big as a fingernail - in the entire room.
Yikes.
There are some things now that I do the same. I would rather hire it out than spin my wheels on it. Easier! And I am all about that!