One of the bigger issues here is that this isn't a plugin that provides site functionality or utility, it's a legal protection for individuals and mom-and-pops who are rightfully mad that they woke up one morning and were shaken down: a "free" option that doesn't really add value isn't an option.

Perhaps a larger learning is that monetizing a previously free plugin that users deem crucial (right or wrong) for EU consent isn't a good acquisition unless the math really works out.

Developers deserve to feed their families. And at the same time, no one forced Termly to a) buy this plugin or b) agree to terms of the acquisition or a product roadmap that required them to make major updates to this plugin.

If your "free" option doesn't really provide any real solution, it looks like a shakedown. If the average small business website gets ~500 visitors per month, it might be better to use that as the "premium" threshold.