I suspect that a lot of the trash problems we're having would be reduced significantly if people all had to actually pay for the lifecycle their AI use, instead of it being subsidized by companies hoovering up VC money faster than the worst boondoggles of the 1990s.

For sure, but this is the established "disruption" business model, right? Undercut all competitors with a totally subsidized product until you eliminate all other options, then start turning the screws when you're the only game left in town.