MCP dilemma: cut LLM costs by going client-side or protect your product's core logic?
hyp3rbolic · reddit · 2026-10-29
A developer lays out an MCP architectural dilemma: move all LLM workflows client-side (ChatGPT/Claude) to save inference costs but expose prompts, schemas and workflows; keep core logic server-side to protect the moat while paying for LLM usage; or open-source everything under AGPLv3. The author admits doubting software moats altogether—"almost anything can be copied"—but sees a difference between making competitors work for it and handing everything over. Asks AI-native SaaS builders whether protecting prompts and workflows is overrated.
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