We have new AI platforms popping out the internet every seconds. Now the problem is why the heck should I pay $499/month for your shinny new shit!

And what about standards and portability?

For instance, I looked into creating voice models for voice replication. I can see no way to download the model data to save it somewhere. I spend a bunch of time training a model and I cannot back it up? Even if it is not portable. At least it isn't a single point of failure if I can back it up.

I think these expensive platforms are aimed towards businesses who already have huge costs. If they are considering hiring a consultant for $150 per hour - that AI service monthly fee isn't as ridiculous even if it only saves people a few hours of work

because the narrative is: "our shit's so good, you can't afford NOT to pay for it".

just the usual marketing riding out the current hype.

You shouldn't.