While I agree with you that slipping in $8-$10/mo for an unneeded service is slimy....

In many ways this is nothing new:

- Car companies have been pushing lease agreements over purchases, since I first got my license

- Newspaper subscriptions have been around forever, and online subscriptions (at least for NYT) have simply replaced the print.

But also there are still permanent licenses available:

- You can still buy Microsoft Word on a permanent license basis. I believe Office 2021 costs between $150-$450 depending on what you want ($450 for full professional suite)

- Same with movies - blu-ray and DVDs are still available for purchase.

- I personally consider a music subscription MUCH less expensive than buying 20-50 CD's year after year...so I am not complaining about this.

Lastly, starting counter-companies is a great idea. If there are people who have the ambition to do it.