I think API access is closer to commercial lease than residential ones. Commercial leases are way less regulated than residential ones - generally it's expected

I think API access is closer to commercial lease than residential ones. Commercial leases are way less regulated than residential ones - generally it's expected that if you sign commercial lease, you know what you are doing. If state sets onerous reqirements on API, most companies will just stop provide it for free or at all. Why do you want to commit long term resources to something that does not make you any money and sets you up for legal problems if you want to make changes?