It seems many people don't understand exactly what's going on,
so I thought I'd try and clarify it and Meng could correct me if I make any mistakes if he wanted to.

Sonar Platinum by Gibson was made up (to make it simple)
of three different kinds of content:
1) Core platform code (The recording program)
2) 3rd party content (Addictive Drums, Melodyne)
3) Cakewalk developed inhouse addons
   a) VST Synths: Dimension, Rapture, Zeta+
   b) Audio effects:
      i) Adaptive Limiter, L-Phase EQ and MB (which can be used in other DAWs)
     2) Premium Prochannel models (which can only be used in Cakewalk by Bandlab)

Bandlab is giving away 1) for free.
2) is gone forever, unless they negotiate new contracts in the future,
but you can keep that content by not uninstalling your previous version.
A release for 3) is coming up in the future will be given for free to previous purchasers of Platinum
who have their previous Cakewalk account synced up to a new Bandlab account and you have to use the same e-mail
that you used to buy Platinum with, your e-mail for your old Cakewalk account.

But future updates to 3) will be for purchase.
Only the first update to 3) will be for free for previous customers.

But updates to 1) will be for free for years to come.

I hope that clears this up for you trying to figure it out.

Yup, sounds about right to me. Expands the user base by giving away the basic program and also creates a revenue stream into the future from users who wish to go beyond the basics.

Exactly, this gives people something to play/experiment with,
and if they dig it, they might want to start getting the extras
if they're more serious about their music.

Growing the customer base is paramount to stopping Cakewalk dying in the future,
so this is a very wise move.

That makes sense to me, thanks.