What's going on with Zed's prompt usage, anyone else having issues with usage plan?

[noaccount-cloud]

Hi Zed team,

I’m writing because I’ve noticed serious issues with prompt usage on the free plan-even when I’ve done nothing.

Here’s exactly what’s happening:

• I opened the plain text thread (no Agent, no tools, no interaction), and saw my prompt count increase-without sending or doing anything.
• Later, I sent a single message, and the prompt counter jumped by 3 prompts-from 4 to 7-when it’s supposed to cost just 1.
• This isn’t an isolated case. Other users have documented similar behavior over the past couple of months.

I’ve seen open posts referencing:

• Overcharging non-Max Mode prompts-4 messages costing 15 prompts; one message costing 9 prompts
• System prompts being sent on every message, instead of just once at the conversation start
• Agent requests burning 5 prompts per request instead of one
• Prompt consumption happening even with no activity, suggesting hidden background or system activity counting toward quota.

This behavior effectively reduces the 50-prompt free tier to something closer to 5-10 usable prompts. That’s misleading at best, and deceptive at worst.

I need clarity:

1. Why is prompt usage being consumed when I take no action?
2. Why does a single message cost multiple prompts without Max/Burn Mode?
3. Can you provide an itemized breakdown of what counts against my quota (system prompts, tool calls, telemetry, etc.)?
4. Are you able to refund prompt credits for these phantom usages-or adjust your accounting to ensure free-plan users get what was promised?

Please let me know your position and how you’re addressing this. I'm happy to provide logs or reproduction steps if needed.

Thanks

[verpeteren]

I have seen something similar when in 'Burn Mode'. Then approximately every 12-15 seconds, the prompt usage count on my profile page increments. It seems related to the tool usage.
When in NOT 'Burn Mode', it increments indeed, with every prompt that I submit (or when I press 'continue' when 'consecutive tool use is reached')