This about says it all.
Do some math and its not hard to figure out this is still a good deal.
Non cloud software and subscription base is also expensive. Easy to spend $1000.00 each or more for cad and cam. Total of $2000.00 just to get started.
It takes a 5 year window to get to a comparable cost. $2000.00 / 5 years =400.00 a year and that is when you isolate the software and never update it.
Cloud based Subscription would have been updated during this time and often have major improvements. Making that very attractive cost over time.
Also, In my opinion if you isolate the software you will get at best 8 years of use before O.S. changes make it obsolete anyway.
This is cheaper but your stuck there with no path forward for all the time spent learning and building widget libraries.
So If you own you still need to update and this costs on average $300-$500 per year and that alone cost more.
For me I dont want to strand or isolate years of experience and widget libraries.
Bottom line cad and cam are important tools and require investment imho, because these machines are boat anchors without them.
So either way its pay up sucker !
PS: Hard to find a free lunch these days.
Also imho a Tormach specific version would be a headache for all parties involved! "I have long term experience" lol