Sure 500k is a lot of money, but as a percentage of assets it is not much. 500k/40M = 1.25% For me it would be like carrying 5k on my credit card, but I don't get a 0% interest rate, at 0% it is free money and they should hold the balance as long as possible, not factoring in political favours.

Pay your $30, but recognize the next "free" update may require you to shell out another $30.

If you need to save a QT file, it is much easier to fish it out of the browser cache.

The WD anywhere access is not required for access to the device on your local network. You configure the device with a normal SMB share and Windows machines can see.

I bought one of these a couple months ago, and returned it 2 days later. It was crap. Very slow, the software for remote access requires a paid subscription, something that is not mentioned in any of the marketing.

I believe the remote access software allows the owner to see all files. The restriction is on allowing public sharing. That was my understanding anyway.