There is nothing stopping you from downgrading, but features only available in Platinum will go away. You can still use the Platinum version you have when needed.

Unfortunately there has been no segregation between the main program and add-ons (much of Platinum is really a one-time buy, since that content will never change), so upgrades to Platinum get marketed highly, but renewal pricing takes a back burner. After an initial purchase, the changes to Platinum (essentially the main program) are a small percentage of the "Platinum" package.

As alluded to above, value is in the eye of the buyer so vote with your wallet accordingly.

Zargg
If you paid for a full year, you "own" it.
You can purchase a Professional licence now instead, if desired.
All the best.

But you loose vocal align, drum replacement and some other stuff - or?
 
It's a bit tricky to make downgrades in a good way.
With pure content stuff it is easier - once bought you own it.
 
One reason I prefer not to get dependent on anything stock shipped with a daw.
 
It's always been like this even during the Sonar Studio and top model Producer - much higher annual costs just getting daw improvements. Once you did an upgrade - you are stuck with so much higher annuals costs - it kept me back.
 
But still feel Cakewalk approach is among the better ones - getting really good basic features as of Sonar Artist already.
 
But maybe it should be diversified a bit more - keeping the rolling updates the same price for everything - and lower than now. Then doing the plunge and get Platinum paying that more once - you get more value staying on. Not as now you are penalized every year for doing that. If any content or plugins - provide discounts for that instead. Rolling updates is a separate maintenance thingy.
 
With the fabulous VST standard you can actually get anything in plugins from anywhere to fit you budget.
Anything good by a vendor - it will be sold separately as well.
 
Like Dimension Pro which I bought more than 10 years ago separately. But also included in Producer - it kept me from upgrading and stayed on Studio - since I already payed for that one. Why pay twice for the same plugins.
 
The product line need to be planned really well - and not as a shot in the dark as Cake tend to do.
First there is Mac - then there is not.
Then there are simplified pricing policy - and on it goes....

I think there is a discounted member price until the beginning of August. When you open the platinum version in the store , you will see the price you have to pay. I am not sure, maybe this is also a lifetime payment. If you stay here very long on the chat you will miss the sale. Just sayin.

Awesome insights guys, I do appreciate it. I am super bummed I missed the lifetime updates (dark times), just trying to decide what to do going forward. But the responses are great!
Honestly I was kinda scared to post on here because I see a lot of people getting ripped apart for the smallest things haha, theres still time I guess . 

lfm

Zargg
If you paid for a full year, you "own" it.
You can purchase a Professional licence now instead, if desired.
All the best.

But you loose vocal align, drum replacement and some other stuff - or?
 
 

I believe that you do that in Pro.
But you could open projects on both version, making it possible to use "all" features that existed when the Platinum payment lapsed.
All the best.

Does Pro have the quadcurve EQ flyout? Damn I'd miss that!

eliafell
Did you misunderstand my post? I was talking about the updates dude. Not what came with it originally.
Theres my evidence. And as i said, not trolling. Just finding it hard to see the value comparatively

I think you missed the point. When you buy Sonar Platinum you get for the entire year monthly updates that often include core features that are exclusive to Platinum. They may appear in a lesser version down the line but they often are exclusive to Sonar Platinum at lease for awhile. It could be that you don't need all that comes in Platinum or will come in it. Thus, you may be acquiring the wrong version. Some were mentioned by some of the responding posters.
    
 
Perhaps a less aggressive attitude would serve you better.  

mettelus
As alluded to above, value is in the eye of the buyer so vote with your wallet accordingly.

+++
 
CW has recently changed the marketing politic to "aggressive" (from at some aspects very strange, down to clearly unprofitable). Just wait till the difference in value FOR YOU between what you already have and what is in the current version is more then the money you are asked to pay. Your question is subjective an has no single answer. They are people for which 2017.1 -> 2017.6 are not worse a single cent, but I guess there are other for which recent updates are worse the annual price.
 

LOL John, pot calling the kettle black mate? There was no aggression there mate. I believe a lot gets lost with text only, considering your original post appeared somewhat aggressive  
 
I do understand exactly what I own, and why I purchased platinum in the first place. My whole post here was simply about the price of keeping platinum updated as it is vastly more expensive than the rest considering you get not much more, that is all I am getting at. Again, no aggression mate. 
 
As I said, everyone has valid points. I'll vote accordingly.

tenfoot
Does Pro have the quadcurve EQ flyout? Damn I'd miss that!

It believe that is Platinum exclusive