You are right. And if you buy metal and rent some space in a DC, it is still more cost-effective. You need a few people who understand a little bit of hardware

You are right. And if you buy metal and rent some space in a DC, it is still more cost-effective. You need a few people who understand a little bit of hardware and IPMI and you are set. That's not a big deal. The cloud gaslighting is nuts. Tons of companies now exist to give you insight in your cloud bill because that's the last thing cloud provides want you to have. So in the end you must decide what kind of pain you want. Cost pain, tech pain, and that all depends on your company's particular circumstances.