As a user, I would prefer the functions built into a premium theme.

I get a plug-in and make a donation (usually). But I know I cannot really count on the dev to support my plug-in or to keep it current with wordpress. I just have to hope she does.

It is unrealistic of me to expect devs to keep plug-ins updated when most of us just leech off their kindness and never send in a single dime. Eventually devs have to get real jobs that pay them for their expertise.

When I buy a premium theme with functionality built-in, I am better assured of support and that it will upgrade as WP upgrades.

As a user, the fewer things I have to download, install, pay for or leech off of as individual items, then the better. If it is built into the premium theme then I get functionality, support, upgrades, and I save time. If I don't want the fuctionality I can turn that feature off.

Devs deserved to be paid and Users deserve long-term confidence in the product. Semper Pax, Dr. Z