>...instead of being effectively a trust growth hack for startups before the need to generate revenue inevitably leads them to turning the screws one way or another on the beloved community that helped them grow.

I totally get this. Pulling the rug out from users definitely feels a bit grimy.

I'd like to think most people are generally good, and in that light wouldn't it be worth considering that companies or people who do this are just approaching the market wrong? Incompetence vs. maliciousness. If they are transparent from day one about what will be free forever, and what will eventually be paid, then I wouldn't consider that shifting on their community.

That assumes they are true to the roadmap, and make adjustments based on feedback and contributions.