Hi @John-M,
well, THE major problem is, that Nik 4 isn’t compatible anymore like Nik 3
– see the sheer amount of complaints …
Apart from bad reputation, DxO is going to loose long-standing customers (as upgraders), who are not willing to also renew their host programs (e.g. being forced to subscription model) just for the sake of running a (somewhat) modernised Nik 4 version.
As described in Issues with Nik4 - #8 by Wolfgang, I’m glad I could revive Nik 3 – and still wonder, why DxO doesn’t allow (offer) peaceful coexistence of Nik 3 and 4, providing us with an appropriate installer option. – The installation for Affinity photo works, while the process is close to ‘tear the hair out’ (as long there is).
For me, I use Nik 3 as plugins for old PS (local and general adjustments with layers, smart filters),
while Nik 4 only works in association with PL 4.3 …
Wolfgang