Quote - >> "And this is different from the releases of V1,2, and 3 exactly how?"

Not only has the number of users increased but so have the number of merchants -- exponentially, I would imagine. And everyone wants to ride that V4 train, particularly in a tough economy which makes everyone want to try and sell something.

Absolutely. I agree completely.  In a market where competition is increasing, you must do what the competitors are not and that must have a greater perceived value.  (In truth, it doesn't have to actually have more value.  It just must be "perceived" as having more.)

Quote - But what I also find somewhat worrisome is that the OP feels that Rosity should accept it because s/he's spent so much money here. 

/agree

Unless, of course, the member is offering a check made payable today for a thousand dollars as a promotion fee to Renderosity.  If so, they may want to consider such an offer...