From your posts, it sounds to me like you've already convinced yourself that BIAB is not for you.. I would suggest you try your friend's program, or just stay with a known free program, (e.g. Reaper).. BIAB is a wonderful program, even an illiterate computer guy like me can run it & get some decent backing tracks with it.. Real Band is a great DAW, but I don't blame PG Music for not giving free Trials, they do give a money back guarantee, & no one can give better than that, full refund, no questions..
But if you don't like their policy & evidently you don't, just don't buy it.. Lots of free recording programs out there, But for me & many others, PG Music have delivered what they promised.. & I may add a much cheaper hobby than buying golf clubs & paying high green fees every year, though I like golf too..