Choosing a model source also means choosing a data path and an operating boundary.
Start with the data path
Local project storage does not mean that model calls involve no network transfer. Document what is sent, which provider processes it, and which retention policy applies.
Match the model to the task
Models differ across long documents, code changes, and tool use. A small reproducible task is often more useful than a leaderboard alone.
Evaluate failure paths
Clear feedback for connection failures, quota limits, and catalog changes determines whether a research session can recover safely.
FACT BOUNDARY
This article describes verifiable current workflows and does not present planned capabilities as shipped features.