Potential rational but unlikely reasons can be:
- training the consumer to accept model deprecation as a standard practice earlier rather than later (this discourages creation of finely tuned products such as Auren/Seren)
- contractual obligations with third parties that are bound to the model lifecycle (why would one enter such contracts?)
- making models practically unavailable for the purposes of legal proceedings in current or future lawsuits (Anthropic can be forced to make a model available or accused of obstruction)
- preventing competition from conducting comparative analysis and gaining knowledge into trade secrets