I'm not talking about random button pushing. I'm talking about ensuring that the documentation and interface can be understood and effectively used by the target market, which is not generally composed of experts in the subject.

I won't even try to comment on the first part of your blog. It is totally irrelevant.Your last question is interesting tho. Let's say MS pulled the plug and FS9 is the last iteration of FS. So what? You imply that I would NEED a "viable alternative". Why would I? Would freeware & payware developers suddenly quit ?? Would my installed copy suddenly quit working? Would my original discs become unreadable ? On the contrary. Like thousands (probably millions) of other serious FS users, I would go on using FS9. My continued interest in FS isn't dependent on being fed a new version every couple of years. And since I refuse to purchase anything payware (save for a couple of utilities), I could care less if they quit or not. If freeware also disappeared, I would get along fine with what I already have. So would many, many others.When it comes, I will be as interested as anyone in what the next FS has in the way of improvements. I will purchase it the instant it hits the shelves but I'm not sitting around impatiently waiting or dreaming up wish lists. Flying FS9 is far more fun.Keep well,Cal (CYXX)