I have 0 issue against plex monitization, except for TRANSCODING, wtf am i being charged to use my own GPU?!?!?!
Any paid software you can run on your own hardware by definition is paying to use "your own" resources(CPU, GPU, storage, etc), what you're paying for is their effort in creating and maintaining the software. If they want a gatekeep features for a premium version that's their right, if you have a problem with it find something else or make it yourself.
What kind of video is non-playable without GPU transcoding?
Get two copies if you want LoFi alternatives. Transcoded HDR 4k etc looks way worse than just having a 1080p copy
And what I'm describing is definitely a pro scenario, so charging makes a lot of sense