I've bought Carenado aircraft from third-party retailers (Aerosoft) in the past and haven't found the serial system too intrusive, since it doesn't phone home, and I'll still be able to use my stuff if the company goes tits up. But, one virtual pilot shoppe informed me a few months ago that Carenado (as well as Alabeo) have begun using an activation scheme. True, or not? I understand from the Carenado FAQ page that individual retailers may handle things their own way, so it may be this one retailer.