Originally Posted By: Mike Halloran

They want to market to you. That’s why they do it. Whether the trade-off is worth it or not is your decision.
I use a separate email account for that nonsense that I never check unless someone has just sent a verification email. Gotta keep the clutter down somehow.


It's not just email authentication Mike, (I have a secondary account for that as do many folk): 1st use of the VST prompts to authenticate and it then attempts to go to their website to do so.
I keep my recording set up off line after a few serious virus/malware wipe outs. Using an USB be shunt things to a web connect ed computer and back gives the added security of that device being scanned upon insertion.
I have the VST installed, the email/sonible account/Focusrite account set up gave me the key but it requires that oe extra step.
Not unlike SSL's regular free plug in bundle that requires a physical iLok dongle or iLok account AND internet activation.
I don't "need" the software that requires that so don't go that extra step to be cookie crumbled.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe