[JohnStrangeII]

In my experience the best software is the one that no longer distinguishes between the markets. For example, I've just found the Serif Affinity graphics software suite. Each of their programs can be used as substitute for ten times more expensive Adobe software and is good enough for professionals (with caveats and limitations, I suppose) but at the same time is affordable enough for non-professional consumers.

Recently, almost the whole pro audio market has shifted in a similar way. They realized that they can make more money by targeting hobbyists and musicians instead of studio owners, so now most companies offer 70% to 90% sales from time to time. Others have started to launch software at a tenth of the price that used to be normal - $30 instead of $300.

I prefer that to the "free plus pro" version model. But I admit that I have no clue about marketing and sales and don't know the downsides of aiming at consumer and professionals at the same time.