[argiopetech]

Gimp has been free for decades, same with Inkscape (edit: Inkscape is actually only 19).

Probably not what most pros are using, but perfectly acceptable tools.

[abwizz]

true. but as you said, most aren't which is the counterpoint to op's claim that stuff get's free because of commodification.

[lofaszvanitt]

Gimp is a gimp. Just plain horrible UI-UX. Not intuitive at all, at best a terrible monstroisity.