The real problem here is relying on closed LLM models for your well being. People that rely on specific models should own powerful GPUs and should have capable open weights models
This issue is, in fact, one entirely orchestrated by the company itself. From the moment the 4-series models were launched, they were marketed as emotionally attuned even calling 4o ‘a friend.’ So when people responded exactly as expected and grew attached to it, the company’s decision to violently deprecate the model inevitably sparked backlash.