The Register version* is missing one of the worst parts --- this is with active engagement from support, each time. And the automated system(s) kept doing their thing on multiple levels - not just re-suspending the same account for the same reason.
Only pointing it out because that shook me: for years I've been thinking "if only there was active support" or "if only they could flag 'this account is getting screwed by mistake, take no automated action'...and both of those things were there, and that doesn't even help. The flaw is so fundamental :\
Isn't their business model largely centered around the concept of scaling up business without scaling up staff proportionately? A big part of their innovation was getting people to tolerate nonexistent/automated customer service.
Customer service would not have to be a cost center for large clouds. I think many people would be glad to have an option to pay $100 to speak to a real person.
If they were only an enterprise cloud company I think they'd see it that way. But having no customer service for any of their consumer services has become the DNA of the whole company.
I develop apps for both iOS and Android and while iOS does need a yearly membership, at least any time my app or update is rejected, I am able to interact with actual humans to have the issue resolved. On Google play store, it's just bots to deal with.
Only pointing it out because that shook me: for years I've been thinking "if only there was active support" or "if only they could flag 'this account is getting screwed by mistake, take no automated action'...and both of those things were there, and that doesn't even help. The flaw is so fundamental :\
* discussion yesterday, on author's original blog post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45798827