As a one time operator of around 100 WP sites I then found the annual fee model acceptable as I had a revenue stream. Now as a retiree writing my own travel blog (https://alloveraustralia.com) I can't afford to keep paying renewal fees for plugins etc. on any regular basis. I have a lifetime license for Divi having tried other page builders and that suits me; some of my other plugins I have stopped using and found alternatives, notably in mapping, because of this issue. The bottom line is that the different user needs have to be considered in terms of affordability; if we are using a good quality product it gives credibility to the provider and we are likely to recommend the product; eg I have a link on my blog to Siteground simply because they are the best hosting company I have found in ten years.