but if Vertex AI is using Gemini Ultra, then why makersuite (aisuite now? hmmm) showing only "Gemini 1.0 Pro 001" (001: a version inside a version)

and why have makersuite/aisuite in the first place, if Vertex AI is the center for all things AI? and why aitestkitchen?

I'm seeing only Gemini 1.0 Pro on Vertex AI. So even if I enabled Google Gemini Advanced (Ultra?), enabled Vertex AI API access, I have to first be blessed by Google to access advanced APIs.

It seems paying for their service doesn't mean anything to Google at this point. As a developer, you have to jump through hoops first.