ORIGINAL: rjm1982
As long as people ask rediculous prices for software (like all of the rc sims) people will strive to get them free, think its a lie? Look at what MS did over in the asian market, the theft was so bad, there were supposedly 4 illegal copies of windows for every 1 legal one...they lowered the price to (i forget the real number) around 20-ish bux US, and the theft stopped quickly.....and MS stil turned a profit...
We've had the pricing argument dozens of times on this forum and it comes down to the same arguement. Price is swayed by demand and volume. RC is a small niche of people in the world ... very small. I also know of thousands of software pieces that are much less complex then AFP, that cost much more. I personally don't think AFP (99) and AFPD (169) are rediculously priced or even close. Think about what your getting too. You get to keep your planes for more then 1 season.
Also when you say MS Windows and Asian market you are talking about the number #1 marketshare of operating systems selling in the #1 population in the world. Of course at $20 a copy they are going to turn a profit. You talking 10's of millions of sales.
Either way sim sales go up every year, I know this because I've seen the data for the last 10 years. Personally I don't set the price of the sim, it's given to me from IPACS and I must sell it at a set price. But either way the demand is there or the prices would be going down.
Oh and Casipak .... if your looking for a copy of AFP we sell them for only $99 shipped. Brand new in the box and full warranty. I don't mean to bump your friends potential sale and if he finds the cable buy it, but for $30 more you'll be getting piece of mind. Just an FYI.