

So to your last point : you can keep using the latest Pixologic version you own, but only if you don't attempt to reinstall it. Outside of the fact the the upgrade is free, I would say that you are correct in the sense that yes, one indeed has to get into the Maxon server/ecosystem at least once in order to be able to activate again in the future. Not to mention the fact that users of these older versions have never been warned about all this in the first place. Which means potentially losing access to plugins, like Zswitcher for instance, or being unable to provide files saved as an older format if a client ever needs it. The very annoying thing imho is that it puts anyone currently using an older version in the precarious situation of knowing that if they ever need to upgrade their workstation in a way that requires a reinstall, then they'll be forced to upgrade (even if for free). The page states that it converts to 2021, but it is actually 2022. It is done through their license conversion process. Well, the upgrade to Maxon 2022 (permanent) from an older version comes for free.
