I think the article contradicts itself, missing some simple math. Contradicting points:

1. it takes huge and increasing costs to build newer models, models approached asymptote 2. a startup can take an open-source model and get you out of business in 18 months (with CocaCola example)

The size of LLM is what protects them from being attacked by startups. Microsoft's operating profit in 2022 was $72B, which is 10x bigger than the running cost of OpenAI. And if 2022 was too successful, profits of $44B still dwarf OpenAI.

If OpenAI manages to ramp up investment like Uber, it may stay alive, otherwise it's tech giants that can afford running some LLM. ...if people will be willing to pay for this level of quality (well, if you integrate it into MS Word, they actually may want it).