But there are Pantone colors in the spec, and by "the spec" I mean "every spec." The logo for the company you work for is probably defined as a specific Pantone spot. And if I have to pay separately for Pantone in Photoshop, there's no reason for me not to move to another tool other than if Pantone intentionally refused to sell spot support to me on another piece of software.

Which leads me to think that they (Adobe, not Pantone) endlessly tested and researched the maximum they could add to the price if they blamed it on Pantone (who are happy to take the blame because they're so entrenched that it won't affect their business in the slightest.) They did it, and Pantone and Adobe are going to split the proceeds. Or, rather, you're going to "subscribe to a Pantone license" and "subscribe to a Adobe plugin for Pantone management" as a pretense.