I really dont see a problem in removing the free version of PPaint from aminet and hosting it on their own site. People can directly compare the free version with the up to date one and decide if its worth buying or not.
Yeah, it wouldn't be that big problem if it'd go that way. And maybe also a readme to Aminet explaining where you can get it. I'd be OK for me.
BUT, currently it seems that it won't be available that easily. It hasn't been said it'll be on their web site, it's been said to be on their "servers", which currently looks like that it means it'll be available only through their Amistore software.
It gives a lot of trouble, for example:
1) Amistore application is currently only available for OS4. 68k version is coming some day, but currently you need OS4 to get the software.
2) You need network connection and beefy enough Amiga to run Amistore. You can't get the software directly with Windows, Linux or Mac (to transfer it with other means to Amiga) unless running it on emulation and that might be a bit too big hassle for many users just wanting the old free PPaint to their old Amiga.
3) You probably need to register and take other actions before getting the software you used to have easily on Aminet. Old version's readme could have been updated to direct interested people to new commercial versions.
The free version is still available and even if it was not, it wouldnt be a disaster, it was free for years, users who wanted it already have it.
I can't believe we wouldn't have any new users or old users coming back ever anymore. And nobody would want to reinstall their system? Not everyone is keeping backups of their installation archives which are expected to be freely available anyway. For example many demosceners try different platforms etc and for them PPaint would be a great help, but I'm afraid they won't always look further than Aminet, but their productivity would do good for the Amiga.
