The same could happen if the API was paid. In this instance, it's conceivable to setup your own NLP/bot engine with OSS alternatives to do more or less the same

The same could happen if the API was paid. In this instance, it's conceivable to setup your own NLP/bot engine with OSS alternatives to do more or less the same. But starting with wit would be much faster and allow you to focus on getting the product market fit right