As I said: This is the one time that the “printer” in their name makes sense.
We’re a bit off topic here but why not:
quote=“mdurbs, post:110, topic:73757”]
printers use ink
[/quote]
Dye sublimation printers would like a word.
Laser printers sent you a DM.
Thermal printers sent you a friend request.
3D printers reacted to your post: 
Braille printers cough quietly as they raise their hands.
Companies exist to make money. There’s no “should” in this. You may want them to behave that way, but there’s certainly no obligation.
Well I am pretty sure this does not reflect not a flaw in Glowforge’s business plan.
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I’m a pretty open critic of some of GF’s decisions and processes, and this subscription thing is no exception. I have a take on it that would probably be even less popular: it should be mandatory and cheaper. I think it’d be better for everyone.
However, I’m a rando on the Internet with no access to GF’s internal customer data, usage information, or their doubtlessly deep roster of contacts, investors, and advisors. I’m sure many options were considered and that my half-blindfolded analysis is no match for the amount of thought they put into this. It’s not likely that any of this entire thread was terribly surprising to them.
That being said, your position is valid, and it’s cool that you have a forum in which to express it.