Even though I am a SPLAT user, I remember that the only difference between the TOP package and next to top package was the added 3rd Party freeware. I made this jump a long time ago from a STUDIO to PRO version of SONAR at an offer price I couldn't refuse. I think it cost me $49 to convert, so I went for it.
So, if you have all the plugins and sample libraries already, there was little need to update to SPLAT. I thought that the add-ons might save me from upgrading and/or purchasing new plugins, I have found that "most" of the added software from CAKE was "jr" versions of the software and that if I liked the product I wound up buying the full version anyway.
So that is that and Splat is Splat. I still am satisfied with my SPLAT even though I don't get much extra for it.
Jim