brconflict
As far as subscription models, I personally don't see that being deployed before the next version. And to be honest, I think a subscription model would be great, if it's more like the Netflix model, where you can pause it. If the DAW were able to "check" its activation to enable the Audio Engine, that could be a great way to allow new users to get visually and ergonomically oriented with Sonar without allowing them to actually use the software. Then, activation could be based on a monthly subscription. So, for bands that want to record themselves, but do so only a semi-annual basis, they can rent the activation for two months out of the year, for say, $10-20/mo. the longer your subscription runs, the better your discount (or more subscriptions). I'm basing the latter on the GotoMeeting pricing model.
I may not understand everything you are saying about subscription services but surely you are not comparing A streaming service like Netflix or Gotomeeting to the purchase of software. The main difference of course is that fact that you don't actually purchase movies through Netflix. You rent the streaming service. You never own the content you watch on Netflix.
The problem is that Netflix has removed movies I had in my watch list before I had a chance to watch those movies. They replaced those movies with others in their general list that I don't care to watch. I like Netflix and I pay for the service but I don't rely on it to create my own movie or use it to edit video.
You are not paying for the use of a software application. You are paying for the ability of streaming entertainment, Thus you are renting a service.
Can you imagine renting Sonar X whatever version and a new update comes out that adds in some plugins and removes others? or even adds feature you don't like with no way to roll back to the other features.
The nice thing about purchasing a licence for the Sonar is you get to use it and if you decide not to upgrade you don't need to. What would I do if I rented Sonar X4 and they come out with Sonar X5 but it only works on machines that have windows 8 or windows 10 machines? Sure I may still be able to use X4 on my windows 7 machine, but I am still renting it. I would need to upgrade my computer to upgrade my Sonar Version. While I have done this by choice in the past I would not want to be forced into this situation.
Losing your license limits your upgrade options. Renting Software has many disadvantages and after using Adobe's model briefly I can honestly tell you I will never ever rent software through a subscription service. I am done with any company that goes to that model.
All that being said I will say that I agree with you that any rental model will more then likely not be attached to X4 when ever it is released. I don't think cakewalk will use a rental approach and they have always been customer focused. I took the survey and I saw nothing sinister about asking questions about subscriptions. It is wise to consider all markets. A rental service may appeal to some but it won't appeal to everyone.
If after a year of renting Sonar you get a licence then you are not using a subscription service, you are simply making payments