are NOT using Autocad because they simply can't afford it but would like to if it would be cheaper. C: are using Autocad because they are forced to (due to client or someone's else requirement), think it's overpriced and would prefer a different (cheaper) software B: are using Autocad, think it's price is too high and would agree to have less upgrades and features for lower price.

A: are using Autocad and think it's price is right Well, my intent in this post is to see how many people fit in one of the following groups: Personally I would find it acceptable to pay not more than 1000 USD for a full Autocad program, and maybe a 100-200 Usd for the subscription. I would much more like Autocad to be way cheaper and would easily agree for updates over 3 or even 5 years. Us, and probbaly 95% of other users would still be perfectly happy with the functionality of Autocad 2010. I also think that software developement doesn't need to be as fast as it is now.

I know many others who decided to go with pirated software for the same reason. A price we can't afford so we are forced to use 'fake Autocad' - Brycscad, but its functionality is way behind the original and Autocad LT would not satisfy our needs for 3D modelling. We are a micro firm of 3 architects and in Europe a full Autocad costs 5250 Euros - that is 5668 USD. No matter what size of projects you need, you still use 95% of the software functionality. While a huge architectural or engineering firms can afford this because of well paid big projects, small firms are completely lost. Personally I think their software is way way too expensive. Of course I'm aware that they are a private firm and the market decides the final price, but being a (non official) industry standard it is hard to avoid their software if you want to be taken seriously. I would like to open a debate about Autocad or all other Autodesk's pricing politics.

Autodesk autocad price list