Sam Altman proposed introducing a credit-based system for ChatGPT's paid plans, allowing users to allocate their $20 subscription towards various features, with the option to purchase additional credits. However, the idea faced criticism as it could negatively impact user experience by making users hesitant to engage freely with the platform. While OpenAI faces the challenge of aligning its monetization strategy with user expectations, the text argues that a simple subscription model might better suit ChatGPT, contrasting with usage-based pricing typically used for infrastructure services. The complexity lies in balancing the cost of providing powerful features with the need for a user-friendly experience, as OpenAI seeks to scale ChatGPT effectively without financial strain.