How about having support read these forums and offer help to people who just want thier tool to work again even if they are out of the update period. You guys do not seem to understand the difference between updates and support.
These people are not asking for anything for free. They only want the coverage that they paid for. If thier tool will not work, they are not getting ANY coverage when they have paid $3500 a year a go.
If the coverage expired in 2014, help them get coverage up to 2014 back. It is not rocket sience!
Now if you want to argue that somehow your software expires if you do not pay for updates, make it clear before selling the tools.
Chinese companies have the worst reputation. Once they got your money they have the screw you attitude.
It is in your best interest to keep customers happy. You want them to pass the word that your company will go above and beyond to help people that spent hard earned money with you.
In the long run you will get far more bussiness.
By the way, it would only take a person 15 minutes a day to monitor these forums and help out the people who are in destress over a $3500 tool that no longer works from a company that couldn`t care less!
Kevin