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You can use the API. You're using the fixed price becasue it's cheaper. It's cheaper because they price it assuming a certain amount of usage being below a threshold. The usage went above the threshold. The usage was limited because of that, and they will make a plan with an increased fixed price and/or increase the price of the pro plan.

Seems pretty standard to me.

Agree with the other reply here. You are complaining about a problem that does not exist. Want price predictability? Use the API pricing! It is pay per use.

The Buffet-style pricing gets you more bang for the buck. How much more? That bit is uncertain. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

if you feel cheated now, I promise you'll feel more cheated if they did this after you rely on it for several months. the least worst option is to change pricing as early as possible.