Perhaps an "option" for subscription can be a good idea,and those not concerned about the latest feature(s)will just have to pay the premium price as usual when they want the new features,but once the new version comes out the subscription people are already paid up.I can see how this may benefit both sides,aslong as there's no hard feelings towards those content were they are in any particular version. 
   Really the only reason i would leave Cakewalk is if this were implemented and the program were to lock up had i not done updates,unsubscribed or be forced to connect my workstation to the net regularly.im always hesitant of updates for any softwear for stability reasons,multiple programs ive done updates for,bugs got fixed but many times theyve come with other,more intolerable bugs than the previous,which is why i always keep copys of the last most stable downloader of all my softwear so i can always go back if nessisary.and if you must connect to the net every time,for me and i think many other will agree that would be the deal breaker,for home enthusiasts who spent a good sum of money for there computers not to be on the net everyday collecting __wear's and such,and for those who make there living this way all it would take is one day cakewalk server goes down for any reason and now there not making money that day.
  Basically as long as the currently installed version keeps working regardless of the three points i mentioned a subscription method might be useful for those new feature crazed people,like me at times :-P they would have there update new feature whatever assoon as its out not the following week when they get there check.
       tho paying for "bug fixes" i wont agree with,a product should work as advertised,if hardwear gets a warranty for possible defects in manufacturing then so should softwear to some degree to sell there customers working equipment,atleast for whats advertised.

I know we're getting a little off topic here, but honestly I'd use the MP3 integration a lot more if it were any better. There's this weird issue with reported song length, and though I tried following instructions found here, I've never been able to update the outdated algorithm Cakewalk supplies. Even at ten bucks, I feel mildly cheated.

Sanderxpander
I know we're getting a little off topic here, but honestly I'd use the MP3 integration a lot more if it were any better. There's this weird issue with reported song length, and though I tried following instructions found here, I've never been able to update the outdated algorithm Cakewalk supplies. Even at ten bucks, I feel mildly cheated.

Have you contacted suppport? Not sure what you mean by "weird issue with reported song length," and are you sure the algorithm is outdated and that something new and better is available with the same licensing fee?

Did the survey offer some kind of incentive for people to start threads speculating about "subscription" plans?

The version of LAME used in the Cakewalk encoder (v 3.97) does not accurately report song length when using VBR. Newer versions of LAME have addressed this issue. Not sure what bugs are in the later versions. I have not contacted support about an updated version of the TTSlame.dll.

What survey????

Anderton
Did the survey offer some kind of incentive for people to start threads speculating about "subscription" plans?

I was wondering that myself. No one has started speculating that since we had a question about rollback, that maybe you'll be able to rollback to Cakewalk DOS with X4. I say we start that rumor. 

scook
My comment was directed at the observation that Gibson Brands was privately held. I don't understand the distinction between public and private companies in this case. It would appear that you don't either.

Actually, I think you do understand the distinction. I just think it's irrelevant :)
 
This survey wasn't about a bunch of bean counters trying to maximize profits. It's about us understanding how customers use our software and other products in the market place. Pure market research. And the goal is to help improve SONAR and also make the experience better for customers. 

Maybe cakewalk should move to a prescription plan?

Maybe also throw in random bizarre questions like "How do you feel about squirrel euthanasia? " and see if it spurs threads on whether X4 includes a "die now rodent!" Vst