Since I get input from many other IPB site owners and we do share our experiences and thoughts on how to improve our sites using IPB software and such, placing our members always first and foremost, taking in expenses, costs to upgrade, loss of present functions, etc., I am posting this simply as an informative thread of what I hear and think my own self.
As IPB is aware, many have chosen to not change their software from 2.x to 3.x at this time. This is due to many various reason, ( and yes there are many great positive improvements - but this deals with the negatives, and does not mean they will never change to 3.x )
The major reasons are:
1) present modifications will not work with new versions.
(yes, it is realized that some of the present mods will be duplicated/made to work with 3.x eventually...)
2) Members using the test beta report that with the drastic changes in how they navigate about is confusing and being creatures of habit, they have difficulties in using the new 3.x format. While 3.x will be great for new sites, established site members would have to be 're-trained' in the features and ways to even use the site.
3) Skins are again null and void - after many paid to have custom skins designed.
After years of complaints on this, IPB devised a way to upgrade skins more easily, and one can remember quite clearly the promise that this would help solve the frustration and extreme additional expenses from occurring in the future.
4) Support for customers who bought and paid for at least one license disappears after a period of time.
Understandably, one would not expect IPB techs to go in and repair or work on a site after a year, yet even the forum for customers helping other customers, simple ticks and tricks, or past ways that a customer was helped or got something to correct or work, all are locked out for those who paid for IPB software and chose not to 'upgrade'.
The forums should be set up help in specific versions, and say for example, a customer buys a version, the forum that relates to that version should 100% accessible. The present invisionpower setup just indicates to past customers that IPB discards them as being a valid part of the community.
This is indicative that if one purchases 3.x and when it 'expires' those customers will too be locked out of areas specific to their versions.