I think the move to subscription really rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Many people didn't want or need the features that added the subscription value, so they felt cheated.
Personally, I'm ok with the subscription because I already upgraded LR every year. I use LR on all my devices, syncing photos and edits. It's great when I'm shooting on a trip, and can import photos on my iPad and start proofing, then they are already available on the computer when I get home. And you're right, the AI editing features are getting very good.
But, for the person who was using LR to edit their family vacation photos once or twice year, the move to subscription was not a good value.
Personally, I'm ok with the subscription because I already upgraded LR every year. I use LR on all my devices, syncing photos and edits. It's great when I'm shooting on a trip, and can import photos on my iPad and start proofing, then they are already available on the computer when I get home. And you're right, the AI editing features are getting very good.
But, for the person who was using LR to edit their family vacation photos once or twice year, the move to subscription was not a good value.