> The main gripe I have is that the software is still priced too high

Many plugins are crazy expensive, but you don't have to buy them to make music. Vital (synth) is free, VCV (virtual modular) is free, Cardinal (VCV as VST) is free. Reaper (DAW) is $60 (one time payment) and comes with every mixing plugin you'll ever need, plus an immense library of other free ones, plus the ability to code your own.

I'm slowly recovering from GAS [0] myself; in many cases, having fewer plugins helps music making and does not hinder it, because it's better to know some tools inside and out than know many superficially, and it's also better to spend less time choosing a tool and more time using it.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping_addiction#Gear_Acquis....)