I think this is unethical. Humans have consistently underestimated the subjective experience of other beings. You may have good reasons for believing these systems are currently incapable of anything approaching consciousness, but how will you know if or when the threshold has been crossed? Are you confident you will have ceased using an abusive tone by then?
I don’t know if flies can experience pain. However, I’m not in the habit of tearing their wings off.
I don’t know if flies can experience pain. However, I’m not in the habit of tearing their wings off.