No problem RC, I respect what your saying. Not upset in the least. I don't necessarily agree with all of your views, but who would? That is one of the great things about the forum, we are big enough to agree to disagree. The following quote is where we disagree.
But....Only after the the software is TOTALLY locked down and debugged. And there is a COMPLETE manual that covers EVERYTHING about it...No secret or mysterious buttons or functions.. and everything functions as intended.
Here is the way I view all of this, support and all in a nut shell. It would be easy for Art and Brian to have completed manuals and a virtually bug free program (Isay virtually, because bug free is a myth IMO no matter how much you pay) if it weren't for one thing, the gifts they give freely on a regular basis. When features are added, lots of times it introduces unforseen bugs, maybe in a bit of code 180 degrees from the feature added. Me for one would rather help eliminate the bugs so that everyone can benefit. If all one-on-one tech support was only avaliable after programs were 100% bug free, there would be no such thing.
If the software is as perfect as possible, and the manual is written as such, along with this great forum it seems that there would be little need for phone support. Other than "the big hurry" as mentioned earlier or couldn't find it in the manual. (which wouldn't say much for the manual.)
This is the whole point, some just flat out do not want to read a manual or look for answers. They would much rather spend a little money rather than time, pick up a phone, talk to a live person, and run their machine. If I'm looking at investing in a piece of equipment for the sole purpose of makeing money, I would much rather have the option of spending a little money to save a load of time. We need to be able to help this type of user as well as the retired or hobby guys. Different strokes for different folks. How many times have you seen a question posted that was clearly in the manual? I bet many times. Some just aren't interested in learning about Mach, at all. Their sole purpose for haveing it at all is to run parts.
Brett