I absolutely agree and sympathize with you and other like you.
It was totally misleading of Steinberg to even add the word “loyalty” to their marketing and promotion descriptions.
I am a relatively new user. I bought a used copy of Cubase Artist 8 for around 30 dollars and then I upgraded that to Cubase Pro 13 at a 50% discount and then I got 70%-off vouchers to Dorico, Wavelab and Absolute. Then I buy Wavelab and Absolute at 70% off and then I get another 3 vouchers.
So… what… Suddenly I am a “LOYAL” customer? It’s like a spit in the face to those who truly were loyal towards the company. You guys who spent so much money on their upgrades, updates, full software purchases, VSTs, hardware, etc. You were the ones who nurtured the company financially, you kept them in business, and this is how they repay you. I totally understand the frustration.
I got amazing deals at insanely low prices, and I am really happy about it, but at the same time I pity those who really deserve a financial break and didn’t get it.
I think it’s important for Steinberg to realize that getting new customers is not the only important thing.
It’s equally important to maintain the trust and goodwill towards many of the old customers who kept them financially afloat for so many years. Just because Steinberg existed for over 40 years, have a solid ethos like inventing the VST and having a lot of experience and all that. The moment it becomes a blind arrogance from their side, that is the moment where the ship starts to sink.