bluesplayer
 
But they (Andrew for sure) have alluded to something better than just "send us $199 (call it 200) up-front for my annual renewal"  (assuming, I want it) especially since this time around I'm paying BEFORE I get anything new.  
 

Where are you getting $199?  My "up-front" annual renewal says $149. 
 
And I'm more than happy to pay it again (Mine is good until Feb, so I can wait a bit).  I don't understand this sense of fear that you're going to get fleeced.  I don't think it can be clearer... If you like what you got this past year, it'll be more of the same (quality-wise).  If you're happy where you are now, then stay there.  Worst case, don't renew right away.  Stay put for a month (or two) until more details are revealed.  You lose absolutely nothing with this approach.

Well... I have been over to the store and can confirm that once I login and select Buy Now for Sonar Platinum, I am now quoted a price of £11.89 per month as opposed to the £39.90 Cleverbridge mention. 
 
Button pressed and one very happy Sir William. Thanks for all the suggestions. It was confusing to begin with, but all well in the end. 

All ,  JonD in particular
 
Correct it (now) says $149, they've cleaned up the various renewal info cost pages in last few weeks (last price check by me was just before Xmas - I knew my annual renewal was coming up right after holidays so I was tracking and started watching the posts here on this FIRST round of annual "renewals").
 
So my mistake for not re-checking by actually hitting the "buy"  button to see what price popped-up. 
 
EDIT
 
just found page again (with $199 annual renewal cost)
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions#start
 
done EDIT
 
 
 
Other pages that said annual renewal for Platinum would be $199 are GONE (I think monthly was also higher at $19  but I don't even consider monthly options so wasn't paying close attention to that price).
 
My apologies for "fear" spreading () but you/we are still paying up front for TBD (again I'm sure (hope) we'll be happy.)
 
I have had to do this, pay before deliver of new "features" and maintenance patches (and sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get them)  with other expensive commercial statistical packages and other professional analysis tools for many years but:  I HAVE NEVER liked it.   It's the only way some companies do business - so it is what it is (take it or leave it).   If I wasn't getting a tax write off, and some partial reimbursements by the company I consult with, I'd use less powerful and less expensive tools - and make up difference in capabilities with grey cell  "sweat equity."
 
 
Since this is the FIRST annual Cakewalk renewal for ALL of us (some have already begun their first year - mine starts next week - I'll pull trigger on day it's due) after this year is when I will re-evaluate staying or going (but at my age it may be moot )
 
Peace (now I go silent for another decade+ )

I have just fired off an email to Cleverbridge as they reckon I still have one more payment to make!! Ermm.. January to December inclusive - isn't that 12 payments?
 
Either way - I trust the store!!

Here is Cleverbridge's explanation - 
 
 
Thank you for contacting cleverbridge.
We did recheck our records, and we can confirm that you have one last payment due on January 22, 2016 in the amount of £39.90.
Your subscription started on January 22, 2015, and it is a 12-month subscription; therefore, the last payment is due on January 22, 2016.
After payment is received on January 22, 2016, you will own the product. Please see below for a graphic with the item intervals:
0) 1/22/2015 8:47 AM 69510948 1 £39.90
1) 2/22/2015 8:47 AM 70913919 1 £39.90
2) 3/22/2015 9:47 AM 72203660 1 £39.90
3) 4/22/2015 9:47 AM 73686627 1 £39.90
4) 5/22/2015 9:47 AM 75033646 1 £39.90
5) 6/22/2015 9:47 AM 76238314 1 £39.90
6) 7/22/2015 9:47 AM 77397697 1 £39.90
7) 8/22/2015 9:47 AM 78706316 1 £39.90
8) 9/22/2015 9:47 AM 80144737 1 £39.90
9) 10/22/2015 9:47 AM81621539 1 £39.90
10) 11/22/2015 8:47 AM83138748 1 £39.90
11) 12/22/2015 8:47 AM84764661 1 £39.90
12) 1/22/2016 8:47 AM
Should you have any other questions, please let us know.
 
 
Count my total payments. Do you get 12? Why start the counter at 0?
Since when has a 12 month subscription comprised of 13 payments?

"You will own the product". ? Do they think you've been buying it on an instalment plan then?

re: http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3347672
 
This does not sound all that clever. I do count 12 credited monthly payments, which in most of the western world is a year. So they are correct that you are due to make another payment on Jan 22, 2016, but there is no reasonable construction of the agreement that you will own the perpetual license after a year or 12 months or 12 consecutive monthly payments that you would not qualify for. You would only be required to make the Jan 22, 2016 payment if you wish to continue your subscription. 
 
The only clear statement of entitlement that I have been able to find is in a FAQ on the Cakewalk Store:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/SONAR-FAQ#start
 
If I choose "Pay-as-you-go" monthly payments, can I cancel before 12 months?
Yes, however 12 consecutive monthly payments are required to permanently activate SONAR and any updates you have received. If you cancel payment or don’t pay for at least 12 months, SONAR will revert to demo mode. 
 
You should have a permanently activated Sonar at this point.

Skyline_UK
"You will own the product". ? Do they think you've been buying it on an instalment plan then?

C'mon now you know what they mean.
 
In fact it means that he can continue to use the product as it stood on his last payment.
 
Just like any one still using X3, X2, X1, 8.5.3 etc.

Karyn
 
Incidentally, the same questions were asked, and answered, exactly a year ago....

Ad nauseum as I recall.

Sir William
Count my total payments. Do you get 12? Why start the counter at 0?
Since when has a 12 month subscription comprised of 13 payments?

That seems odd to me. I've alerted Cakewalk.