[n_ary]

Cursor is gated, Aider is too open and unlocked. Also, Cursor starts with a subscription for basic tier which equates to proven revenue and revenue is proof of demand. Aider is… a product of love and is not valuable to investors.

Locking down Aider will result in backlash and driving all potential users to cursor/windsurf.

[BeetleB]

Wow. Not sure if this was humor or someone being too literal.

Because Aider is open its capabilities will develop faster than Cursor's and thus as soon as people start charging for Cursor everyone will switch to Aider.

Cursor has no moat.