Perhaps not having an easy way to purchase your software lead to more people buying it, in 2002 (thought I find it hard to believe).  I find it even harder to believe, though, in 2010.<p>$200-$500 is not a lot of money for a developer tool, or for a business purchasing said tool.  So putting an obstacle in front of someone seems rather pointless.  Of course, I suppose it depends on the tool.  But if I didn't think it was worth the money I wouldn't buy it anyway.  And if its nature leads to lock-in--well, once someone's gotten over the hurdle of "Is this tool/company worth sticking with?"  I wouldn't exactly want to give them another chance to reconsider.