> if this bet holds, a user could get the same or more done with a cheaper model (running-cost wise) while paying the same subscription

I think there will be a few forces driving prices lower if anything.

Everyone is currently looking at their spend on AI and the revenue growth for their own companies that this spend is not yielding.

I also think that if there is any competition, they won’t be able to lock in prices where they stand. Especially with open source models.