Apple’s software exceedingly protective? I just don’t grasp what you are trying to say.
Apple’s OS is less expensive than MS Windows.
Apple’s productivity suite is FAR less expensive than MS Office
Apple’s web browser is free
Apple’s music software (iTunes) is free
Apple’s iLife suite of creative tools is free with new computer purchases (not a time or feature-limited demos like what comes on most Windows-based PC’s).
That same-said iLife is still very reasonably priced. If you wish to use a 3rd party’s software to accomplish what you could with iLife (some may have a need for more advanced stuff) - there are zero blocks to doing that.
Apple has high-end software that, again, can be done with 3rd party software as well - no blocks to that.
How many times have I felt “gouged” by Apple? Never. I buy what I need, and don’t buy what I don’t need.
There are very few things one can’t do if they buy a new Mac - all without buying a single piece of additional software. In fact, other than those who are tethered to Microsoft Office (and even then - there are solutions to that too - for free), I cannot think of a single thing you would be beholden to Apple to be able to accomplish.
Where is the predatory, over-priced software you mention? Please back up your statements.
One again. I don’t care what machine you use. Read my other posts.