DAZ_Rand,

Let me help you understand our concerns about an "app" store.  It isn't a "conspiracy".  It is  a clear-eyed view based on past experiences on dealing with software, as opposed to content from DAZ.

(See:  CMS must run at all times on my computer, regardless of whether or not DS4 is running.  

See:  DAZ hasn't figured out how to slipstream a service pack into their software.

See:  Versioning?  Yeah, we are thinking about doing that.  If you don't know what the tech terms mean, take the question the software achitect of the program in question.  That way, you don't scare the folks that are asking the tech questions, and as an added bonus, you can be viewed as more than just a DAZ cheerleader.)

1.  You have already stated that it isn't DAZ's responsibilty to insure that the folder structure is set up properly in the installer, you have stated that that is the content developer.

2.  You have been shown screenshots on this thread of what happens when the content developer is allowed to set up the folder structure any way they want.

3.  With most app stores, the product is installed directly into the applications (mac) or program files (windows).  Not to a temporary directory where we can put things where we want them in our system.

4.  Item 1 + 3 make a very bad combination. 

I can see 4 courses of action.

1.  DAZ could define & enforce a folder structure on content sold at DAZ.  (This would make DAZ's QA job a little easier, and DAZ has made it very clear that DAZ's ease of use is much more important that the customer's ease of use.)

2.  A user option to download to a temp directory & then the user can put the content where they want the product to go.  I like my runtimes like I like my vices.  All neatly separated so I can wallow in them without any extraneous distractions.

This is the better course of action for the end user.

3.  A combination of 1 & 2 is the best course of action.  It would make life easier for both DAZ and the end user.

4.  Do Nothing.  Because that is always an option.

Whether you like it or not, DAZ does have a history of, shall we say, sub-optimal solutions to software problems.  This is what concerns a lot of people.  As an example, DAZ burned me with Carerra 6 (want bug fixes we promised you?, buy Carerra 7), Hexagon (Broken from 2007 to 2011), "We had no idea Apple was dropping PPC support."  Spend $300 & get an ADC license & these little concerns go away.

The fact that all of this happened before you got there is irrelevent.   DAZ has built a track record of great content, not so great software, and a "We want validation, not input." attitude toward their customers.  I know that isn't the intent, but that is what it looks like from my perspective.

 The only way I know to fix that is for the company to

1. Start paying attention to detail.  This is what makes Apple products so great.  "Fit & Finish" is what separates Apple products from everyone else's products.  The attention to detail is what make the products "cool".  Stuff just works.  Name one product that DAZ makes that you can say that about.

2.  Promise less, deliver more.  No more "Soon"  That word has an unfortunate connotation in the Poserverse.

3.  Listen to your customers.  After all, they are the ones keeping the lights on.