"If you don't refresh activation, after 6 months you'll still be able to use Cakewalk, but Save and Export will be disabled.
Because Cakewalk is now free, we have no sales figures to refer to, so activation is the only way we can keep a track of how many active users we have and what version they are running."
So basically you chose to disable the very reason for using the "free" software to begin with? Forgive me but isn't that a "screw the end user" action? The only reason someone is using your software is to have the ability to save and export their projects.. I'm sure you're well aware of this fact.
What about the end user that couldn't care less about using the bandlab website and doesn't care about updates to the cakewalk program.. they just want to use the recording software for their own purposes that doesn't include online publishing? What they have is just fine. Considering that the current emergency political climate lately. AKA expecting cyber attacks, hacking. internet down situation. Do you care enough about your users to provide a way to continue to use this "free" software in the event that the internet goes away. using a second pc with an internet connection doesn't cut it in that scenario. Its a valid question. looking forward to your answer.
Sincerely;
A user that doesn't care about online publishing or updates.