Toyota owners have to pay $8/mo to keep using their key fob for remote start

I hate stuff like this. What is Toyota thinking?

First this is not the type of service that requires a server or needs maintenance. It’s just an RF frequency—the same as locking or unlocking your car. I could understand if this was initiated by an app. Although then it would still appear pricey.

Second, what was the management decision process here? It cheapens the brand significantly, for a feature that will make peanuts for the company. As someone who is potentially in the market for a car in the next year or two, this makes me second guess purchasing a Toyota.