I thought genini 2 flash API was free (for personal use at least)? I just created an iOS shortcut to call it, and didn’t pay anything.
If they added seamless google oauth + key generation + account topup for end users that would be even great for BYOK apps. Mobile developers then wouldn't have to setup infra, subscription monitoring, abuse monitoring etc.
But I guess they don't want to subsidise it in the end and they target it just for developers.