DrLumen
I think the term "loyal user" is just an expression. Initially I would say it is someone that has used CW for a long time. I personally started with CW for DOS. I'm not sure that would make me loyal though as I was seduced once by "greener grass" across the street. However, I found it had just been painted!
 
Perhaps my return makes me a reformed user?
 
Love the Aeon Flux homage. :)
 

 
 
 

It's actually Walter/Heisenberg, Aeon works too

azslow3
1 is populated by many different categories, from real Twelve Tone users up to ...
2 is more measured by own perception of amount of money invested

azlow3 nailed it.
 
Group 1: True loyalist because they have realized that CW is the best place to be, and are willing to advise, nurture, push, and help define the direction of the software through interactions like this.
 
Group 2: People who've bought the software, but will jump ship at the drop of a hat without ever finding out what the rest of us already know.

The differences can be time, dollars invested, the quality of the relationship with the supplier, inherent tolerance, etc.
 
IMO, a loyal user is one who has a net positive experience with whatever and is willing to cut the supplier a little slack when the inevitable rough patches happen.  Maybe even help out to see them through.
 
The others will move to something else. 
 
Nothing wrong with either.  We're individuals.  As such we each our own unique blend of values and motivations.
 
Speaking of motivation(s), I'm not sure what label gets applied to those that move on to a different tool, but hang around to stir the pot.  This category varies from blatant to subtle, but is disrespectful in any form - IMO, of course.
 
 

Depends is the user or the marketing department using the phrase?
 
Marketing: A loyal user is one who upgrades fairly consistently (at least every 2 years).
 
User: A loyal user of Cakewalk is because they/I use their software (albeit 8.5 on WinXP) almost exclusively.
 
Both are correct in context.

What are we trying to micro analyze here ?

Wait a second, I think I figured it out...Anyone replying to this thread is a loyal Cakewalk user.
Did I win ?

Honestly, some of us have been around for many years and simply don't beat our chests about it (Longer than even the company may acknowledge).  I take great pleasure in using the software and constantly learning.  Interestingly enough, I learn from those who have issues because often they are sometimes using the software in a different way from me.  It kind of broadens my horizons.
 
Nevertheless, it really sounds more like the definition of "friends" and "fair weather friends".  Bottomline:  If you are a user, that is great.  If not, that is your choice.  I never begrudged anyone for driving a different brand car than I do.  I just smiled to myself when I passed them on the highway.  ;-)

pwalpwal
i see references to "loyal users" come up quite regularly, like today, and it's got me wondering: what's the difference between a "regular"/non-specific user (someone who uses the software) and a "loyal" user? what is it that makes a user "loyal"?

As for myself.  I've used Sonar virtually exclusively for over 15 years.  Though I've messed around with other DAWs that other people own to have some broad knowledge of the market place.  
 
I know a top ProTools sales rep and was given the opportunity years back for a nicely discounted copy and told him I wasn't interested in switching, or even having it as another option.  
 
When I'm engaged in conversations about recording using a computer, Sonar is virtually always brought up and noted as the platform I use and am happy with it.  
 
If someone uses 6 different DAWs (clearly supporting the other companies financially), I wouldn't consider them as truly loyal to any one of them.  

I don't know what a "loyal user" v a "user" is. If anything its a matter of perspective or point of view. I don't ever recall my saying I am a "loyal user", ever. Yet I have used Sonar from the time CW created the first Sonar. I also have upgraded each and every time there was an upgrade.

Marketing gimmick, one of many.