[droopyEyelids]

You're right about everything, but I disagree with your characterization of 'the first hit is always free'.

The lock-in features you describe are Stripe doing development work for your business.

With an addictive substance, the addiction gains control orthogonally to the 'benefit' it provides. When Stripe writes your recurring billing and bookkeeping system, they're straight up doing your work for you. Thats the desired effect– not a side-effect!