alt Hacker NewsMaltese population are historically price sensitive. €20 a month isn't something you easily justify especially with recent cost of living increases.
So the fact that you get it free after doing some basic due diligence is actually a big deal in the local context.
Anyone can use ChatGPT for free already. The vast majority of people using AI as a search engine alternative/chatbot never have any reason to pay. You don't even need an account.