It's a new pricing model. I think they're calling it "shareware." The idea is that they release "free" versions of software that are almost fully functional but have small nags or annoyances to encourage you to purchase if you enjoy using them…
I apologize for missing the point. You're right; that is annoying and no, they should not do that by default.
Side-note: I just re-read my comment and I sounded like a jerk. I would also like to apologize for that. The sarcasm didn't age well (to my ear anyway).
