The plans may have comparable prices, but the API rates are much cheaper. Especially because it is open weights, so there is competition on places like OpenRouter.
I have had good success with the plans generated by https://github.com/obra/superpowers I also really like the Socratic method it uses to create the plans.
I feel like going to the source of an algorithm/implementation is a super power, as illustrated by this example.
Having used Graphviz for fairly complex visualizations I was initially shocked that someone would rewrite it themselves. Then I saw the breakdown of the algorithm and realized it may not be as complicated as I first thought.
All that being said, as a general rule it is hard to know what the hidden complexities may be until you are finished implementing the algorithm.
I haven’t explicitly recreated a template for an academic venue, but I have recreated a custom template to match and existing PDF. It was pretty straightforward to recreate it as the language and “standard library” (if you could call it that?) is well designed and has excellent documentation.
I love Typst! Currently rewriting my CV in Typst and it has been an excellent experience. One small hindrance is the inability to have multiple bibliographies.
In the past I have also used it to generates quotes (in terms of finances, invoice etc.). It was neat because all of the logic for adding up the subtotal was written in the language (and was fairly easy to understand). I can imagine trying to do that logic in LaTeX…
Agreed, to make it even more interesting Browser Company discontinued Arc earlier this year. So not only did they do all of the things OP listed, but also didn't have a current product when acquired.