You're assuming inference providers are going to sell tokens at cost. You're also assuming that the inference providers have will optimized inference engine. I haven't seen that to be the case so far, to be honest.
Take a look at GLM 5 vs GLM 5.2 pricing -- GLM 5.2 cost more despite being the same model.
Take a look a look at DeepSeek, which hosts DS v4, profitably, yet others aren't able or willing to match the price.
Take a look at GLM 5 vs GLM 5.2 pricing -- GLM 5.2 cost more despite being the same model.
Take a look a look at DeepSeek, which hosts DS v4, profitably, yet others aren't able or willing to match the price.