You said "and as I said previously, most software companies give you a grace period between ordering the current release and new releases being shipped.... "
Please name a few. I might consider buying from them so I don't try to scam them.
Perhaps it is time to close this out since we can't do anyhting for you and we keep going around in circles.
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BoilerPlate: To posters who ask for help -- it is nice to thank the volunteers who try to answer your questions !
Anything I post unless stated with a reference is my personal opinion.