"how is that a viable solution? running 3rd party hacks, voiding warranties, losing functionality just to retain freedom that should have been there in the first place."

Hi you Miss my point
I used that example simply to illustrate that alternatives will always exist for people really need them ...most dont TBH

"you guys have some trusting, utopian views of developers."

No but I live in reality.
We "buy" and "own" Vehicles that costs way more than some Digital Slutwear for V-chick
but never think twice about the fact that we can not even diagnose a minor engine problem without Attaching the cars "Computer" to a manufacture Approved Diagnostic Station and using manufacturer Approved replacement parts .
What is the alternative?? Drive a really old Car and maintain it yourself with after market parts. not a "desirable "solution but thats the reality

as we all know,You dont actually "own" most of the software you use but instead have purchased  a license to use  it under whatever conditions have been set by the publishers EULA.
but unlike Car manufacturing it is relatively easy for a companies & individuals to write alternative apps& content that are not cloud based.

but if your creative life is so completely dependent on what is fed to you from DAZ or SM or even Ubisoft then I guess you may have a concern about them moving to a cloud based Distribution system.
Fortunately for me my professional creative/ entertainment world is little more diverse.

Cheers
 

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