They just want people to pay more via API. Technically, your example would violate ToS, because the purpose matters. Like a license file may allow personal use and prohibit commercial use (unless you obtain a commercial license).
Also because normal usage has predictable usage patterns, which allows them to optimise and predict costs. Flat rate pricing only makes sense in that regime.
Also because normal usage has predictable usage patterns, which allows them to optimise and predict costs. Flat rate pricing only makes sense in that regime.