> People need to realize that using "free" platforms, means they are beyond your control and your fate is up to their vagaries.

People need to realize that there is no such thing as free. Nobody is getting anything for free here, because usage of the service generates analytics data, and it goes into a thick file connected to your account. Those so-called "free" platforms also monopolize the market space, creating less incentives for alternative implementations and competing platforms. Few alternatives are therefore developed, further monopolizing the space, and further cementing the fact that having a choice in the matter isn't in the cards.