OMG I have to buy EVERY addon

Each to their own, and indeed there are some excellent freeware developers out there, but not all payware is as draconian as you might suggest.  The latest payware item that I've spent a great deal of time in had no DRM, passwords, or activation of any type.  Simply install and go.

 

It's true that some developers take it a bit far, but unfortunately refusing to buy any payware at all only serves to punish the developers.  Most developers that I've come across have been more than happy to either help if one is having issues due to activation concerns, or to reset activation limits if asked.  And of course, by your philosophy, developers that don't include any DRM at all could possibly be rewarded with a purchase for their trust and efforts.

 

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Also, I note by your signature that you're running P3D, which of course besides being payware, also has an activation routine.

 

I should point out that I'm not trying to be criticizing in any way here, I just would like to offer the alternative viewpoint that not all developers really want to make life difficult for their customers; sadly it becomes a necessity.

 

And of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. ^_^

Sadly, FS9, FSX and P3D is protected, but I don't have much choice there do I? Sure I could always download a cracked version, but the risk of getting a virus or trojan isn't worth it.

As I see it a lot of developers go out of their way to make things difficult for their paying customers. As for support there is a broad spectrum of policies. Some are very helpful, while others seem to loathe their customers and run their support forums like 12 year olds.

In total I guess I've cut my yearly addon spending by $500-700, so it is hardly any punishment. That said, there are exceptions. I still buy stuff from Carenado and Turbine Sound Studios for instance. As I see it, a product that needs support just to get installed is a complete failure.