Yay!!! Finally I have found another acolyte. I despise the pay plans as much as anyone else, and if I could get the same quality for free or a permanent install, I would use it. I've gone through Luminar4, DxO, Photoshop Elements, NIK software, and Topaz in my career. Nothing can compare to Adobe. So I will cut my expenses elsewhere and treat myself to Adobe. I have made that decision. I really didn't want to get into the Adobe vs the world argument again.Photoshop is arguably as important as the camera itself.
I despise all subscription software plans, but am unwilling to deny myself Photoshop. As Dale D says, the masking tools are incredible time savers and the stitching tools are nearly perfect.
FWIW, the $9.95 per month "Photography" plan includes Lightroom, Bridge and some other tools including a portfolio app and some online storage.
Dale