$49 a year is pretty damn cheap in IMHO. Also, when the new version comes out, you don't have to put another lump of cash up front to get it, you just upgrade your subscription and get the new version. Something better comes along? Just cancel the subscription and switch to the new software. The fear of "being too invested in a software package" basically goes away. I think this is a good move on Apples part and the customers part on several levels.