Writing code used to be free, anyone could do it with enough patience and knowledge, but now you have to pay hundreds of dollars to do this kind of thing with agents. It seems the barrier to entry has gotten more expensive.

It's still free to write code...

e.g. I can ride a bike for free compared to driving a car where I have to pay for gas.

And their are pros and cons to both.

e.g. bikes are easier to park but not great in bad weather and vice versa