You would understand a one-time fee for an active, ongoing, online service?? I'm a fucking communist, please don't make me defend capitalism...

Even back in the day, people would buy versions of software on disks and updates were limited. There's a reason why the idea of perpetual licenses died hard and fast and every company everywhere either reneged or died.

I pay for Kagi. If they offered a "one-time lifetime purchase" I'd probably just stop because that would be a giant red flashing neon warning sign.