Forever is a pretty long time but the question about the cost of future updates was answered here

meng
Platform and future product updates will continue to be free, just like BandLab - innovation must push forward!

 I'm not sure what that "sinking ship" means.  That ship was sunk for us who paid lifetime updates. It's now resurrected as freeware which means the Sonar DAW is not removed from my system and archived. It would be interesting to see the amount of downloads when it become free.  I've read on other forums where people downloaded the Bandlab version just to tinker with.  When any article that comes up with freeware this will be the top one mentioned.  You will never see a free DAW with this much features.
 Sure some have left to test the waters and may not come back. Since it doesn't cost anything anymore it will always be there. I have too many DAWs as it is and keeping up is pricey.  With FL and Bandlab I don't have to put any more money in them.  DAWs like Live and Cubase can break deep into a small budget despite how great they are.   

SmilingCrow

AndertonI know that some people think it's hard to switch among DAWs, and that's true at the beginning of the learning curve. But once you become familiar with them, it's like riding a bicycle - you don't forget how to do it. And of course, the third-party plug-ins will work in all of them.
 
To me it's like guitars...I have electric, acoustic, and 12-string guitars. Each one has its own use and personality. They require different playing techniques, but that's not a deal-breaker.

Wow, what a great comparison which really put it in a context that helped to make that much clearer for me.
So thanks Craig and if I am correct, you are the same CA that authored a book I bought around 1982 on building your own guitar effects that included a flexi-disc with demos of said effects. Long since lost I'm afraid.

Yes, the same CA...and still writing books.

We went from a period of complacency to instability to panic to now.  I'm more than pleased with the way the platform operates.  I was a platinum subscriber before and, as others have stated, I'd be willing to pay again to keep the bakers baking. 

The tip jar is still available.

scook
The tip jar is still available.

I have a Tee Shirt ("modern" logo) and a coffee cup (Classic Logo). They are awesome.

And Tipping the Bakers let's you use Cakewalk by BandLab guilt Free - if you are the type to feel guilty about it.

No water getting in my boat anywhere........dry as a bone!