That was inevitable because of the subscription drop.
It looks like Tesla is resetting to the reality that FSD is a Level 2 driver assist and perhaps a Level 3 system on highways, but that's it. As such, it no longer has any connection with robotaxis, and cannot be priced as such. The August announcement may well be a statement that they will be cranking up the sensors and processing power on a new vehicle that is dedicated to being a commercial robotaxi. Given that it will exist to make money, it can cost a lot more than a consumer vehicle.
It'll be interesting to see how they structure the economics of the vehicle, and what hardware they think is appropriate for a Level 5 vehicle after several years working with FSD, especially now with time on V12.
Apparently few were out right purchasing it. And at $8k the subscription still seems to be a better deal given the flexibility and break even after almost 7 years.
No worries though. FSD will pay for itself and then some.