One thing about the 12GB of RAM: it may be costly now, but it will become cheaper after three, four years into the cycle.
Second, there is also the bandwidth. The Steam Deck has 32x4GB LPDDR5. I believe they wanted 8GB but DLSS and ML (if they add them to the next SoC) require at least 4GB plus. Hence, 32x4GB (96 bits). If the Steam Deck can get away with slightly more, then why not slightly less.
So yes, I can see this device with 12GB of RAM to ensure DLSS and ML work without hitches.
AFAIK, servers are rented for years (I believe 24 months minimum), and renewed after financial performances (are we making more money in the multiplayer than the server costs, the “content” pipeline, and the maintenance?). If it doesn’t make money, they let the contract expire.
Second, the publisher usually pays the servers, while the studio is tasked with the last two tasks (content, maintenance).
So no, it won’t die immediately, but it will probably die next year. I highly doubt the publisher will task another third party studio to maintain it.