[shantly]

I don't remember software quality being a ton worse before software subscriptions became common. Operating systems and certain development practices (maybe, less certain about that one) have led to some noticeable improvements, but that mostly happened before the shift.

[pfranz]

I really really don't like software subscriptions, but for a password manager there is obvious ongoing work just to keep it functioning.

It's one thing to use a standalone app like MS Money for 20 years with various hacks and compatibility modes to keep it working. Over the time I've used a password manager I've seen OS and browser updates break parts like plugins or syncing. I've transitioned to using passwords more on my phone (and phone APIs have changed).

[sbarre]

The major difference you may be overlooking is that now everything is connected and online, and as a result the software we use day-to-day needs much more active maintenance than before.

When you had a computer sitting in your home that connected to the Internet via modem for 2 hours a day, your OS or apps could be riddled with hidden bugs and holes and it didn't matter as much.

Now we are constantly operating in insecure-by-default environments, and (responsible) companies have to spend much more to monitor, improve and maintain their applications over time, as devices change, underlying operating systems change, new threats are detected and published, etc..

Hence subscriptions..