First nuanced argument I've seen on this topic. Great point. Just like bottle manufacturers started the litter bug campaign. I think the problem with llm's has to do with profit-motive as well - specifically broad data sets with conflicting shit, like the water bunny next to general relativity made for broad appeal. AI gets a lot more useful when you curate it for a specific purpose. Like, I dunno. Trying influence elections or check consistency between themes.
Stephen Hawking fell into the same role in his later years. If your first introduction to him was trying to communicate science to stupid people, please read Black Holes and Baby Universes, or really, any of his works before he was getting ready to die.
As an artist, I find this totally relatable. "Gosh, please don't erect a statue right now. A statue sounds nice, though. I am not saying not to build me a statue. Please immortalize my likeness."
Oh look: a fucking bear getting free dental. Half my fucking teeth have fallen out, and I could have a brand new set in 1 day. But, who owes who what is way more important than dignity.
Hard and soft generally refers to how molecules arrange themselves, and density. Hope this clears things up!