"so what benefit would a cloud runtime have for me? none, really.  but it would open the door for more ridiculous licensing/profiteering schemes from content providers.  im not a renter/leaser. i prefer to buy things outright,"

Agreed!!
a Cloud based runtime would only be relevant  if you needed to access it from some mobile location
and who would need to do that as your runtime is literally part of your poser software set up.

I personally think that companies Like Adobe would be foolish to think that CG pro's will fully embrace the idea of  depending on remote software for deadline oriented client production work.
But perhaps they are targeting the casual user who may only need a decent graphics editing program without any long term need to "own " a local copy.

IMO the Companies that will likely prevail with this "cloud" scheme are the ones that offer some form of hardware that is closely tied to their cloud based "ecosystems" of Content.

I Just bought the new tablet from Amazon, the android based "kindle Fire" to sort of celebrate My completion and final delivery of the finished Character animation for a Film client.

While it is pre linked to my Amazon account it has two options for content -"CLOUD" or "DEVICE"
and while gives me great mobile access to the  Massive Amazon ecosystem
I am glad it works as nice stand alone device when I am not in a wi fi hot spot. meaning I can read my own PDF books & Documents  or watch my own local Video content in HD MP4 format that I load on it Via its USB port from my Mac or run my own local android apps .

Cheers

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