>VPF's need for hotfixes BEFORE it even has hit the shelves is bad for the product. Don't forget that the vast majority of users of any product do not use the internet to keep abreast of product issues. The vast majority expect to buy a product and use it as advertised. Period.

Providing downloads and then forgetting the "key" says it all. Anybody else would have attempted to run and install their own download. It's like: "Since we're catering to programmers, if there's a problem, let them figure it out".

I've been looking at 3D software for the past week; I've probably downloaded over 30 packages so far: including demos, freeware, shareware, public domain, ex-commercial, defunct companies, etc. All of them impressed me with their attention to problem-free installation and the quality of their work. Many of these projects were 100-200 MB. Many were GPL.

I never thought I'd say it, but I'm starting to see the benefits of GPL (General Public Licensing).