I've never felt manipulated on BF, CM or Holiday sales. If there is something that I've been wanting and it was normally $200 and it can now be had 50,60 or 70% off, I buy it.
https://acoustica.com/mixcraft/new-in-9
Upgrade from 8 pro to 9 pro was $29 for me.
Go to the Buy now, click on the Upgrade Option (lower right on the page). Enter your previous purchase email and you'll get an email about your previous purchase but lower in the email you get a link to UPGRADE.