Retail pricing is a marketing stunt
Valuing internal usage at API list prices rather than actual cost inflates the figure for headlines and IPO hype; it says little about real spend.
Retail pricing is reasonable or standard
Others note business units commonly bill each other at market rates, opportunity cost on scarce compute is real, and retail is the only figure outsiders can relate to.
Tokens aren't compensation, results unclear
Many object to calling tokens a pay component, likening them to laptops or office space, and question why headcount keeps doubling if AI multiplies productivity.