{
  "schema_version": "1.0",
  "surface_type": "guide_answer",
  "guide_id": "model-selection-quality-vs-cost",
  "question": "How do I compare model quality tradeoffs against margin?",
  "canonical_url": "https://www.unitcostai.com/guides/model-selection-quality-vs-cost",
  "related_tool_url": "https://www.unitcostai.com/tools/model-switch-impact",
  "formula": "margin_delta_pct = margin_candidate_pct - margin_baseline_pct",
  "assumptions": [
    "Compare models under identical usage and retrieval assumptions",
    "Evaluate quality on business-critical tasks",
    "Latency and reliability are part of decision cost"
  ],
  "example": "A candidate can increase margin by 4 points but still lose if quality drops on key intents."
}