@smceccarelli I would absolutely love to be able to use InDesign and it'd be fun to try out the different video editing and website editing programs....I just cannot get around not owning the PS program and although I can see the silver linings in their decision (the options you mentioned), I'm positive they did it, not to help the community, but to line their pockets (not that I'm against companies making money!).
I imagine the execs saw all this massive amount of work being created with their product (and saw how much pirating was hitting their bottom line) and decided that going with a subscription was the best option because they knew that for artists to continue to earn their living/engage in their hobby they'd have to keep coming back and plunk down their money.
Most people will be fine with spending much more than they ever would like as long as it's done in small increments over time.