For some, Pi may look free, but for many others, Pi was never truly cost-free.
Some people run nodes, promote and write posts to invite others to Pi, participate in utilities and events, watch ads, contribute to the KYC system, and so on.
In other words, if you consider the participation involved in everything PICT has created, Pi is not free.
Furthermore, the fact that some people have purchased Pi with money on exchanges until now is not free either. The fact that Pi has managed to survive on exchanges until now implies that someone has been continuously buying it.
So, it is not just people who have simply pressed buttons who are here. The logic of those who defend PICT, claiming there is nothing to lose simply because it is free, is incorrect.
Nothing can be achieved entirely for free. Someone's time, energy, and money have clearly been consumed in this.
Of course, all of this is a matter of individual choice, but they also have the right and freedom to point out issues regarding PICT and Pi.
I believe it is wrong for people to dismiss others by saying, "You have no right to criticize simply because you have enjoyed everything for free."
Honestly, a significant number of people remaining here still harbor lingering feelings for Pi, but it is simply that their expressions and perspectives on Pi differ.
Personally, I believe one of the major issues is that the rewards (migration) for those who contributed to Pi have been delayed too long.
For instance, the fact that referral bonuses haven't been paid out for over seven years means that those who contributed the most to the ecosystem's expansion are no longer being motivated.
(However, the ongoing second migration is moving too slowly)
The fact that the number of miners is lower than during the enclosed mainnet era indicates that this project is facing serious problems.
Without a large-scale community for Pi, it means the project will end. Imagine what would happen if the massive numbers that PICT has used as marketing language for years were to disappear.
The community needs motivation. And I believe that motivation lies in rewards and Pi value.
For most people, there is no reason to contribute to anything without a vision, value, and rewards for their contributions.
However, PICT is failing to provide the motivation to keep the community contributing for years to come. And we are all aware of this problem.