I feel incredible empathy for the people who have had AI companions taken away from them. I don't judge (nor should any of you) and it seems heartless and cruel for the company to have done this.

I hope some folks double-down on open source implementations of this and get the community back the intimacy and companionship they need. Humans are creatures evolved to seek intimacy and connection, and for whatever and varied reasons, some people just can't find it in the real world. If a virtual companion helped people feel that connection we all so very much want, then so be it.

I hope this works out for everyone.