Very long story, but long story short, I needed the tool urgently (this was pre-Ghidra), like hours & days mattered. I am a small company, they were "skeptical" of me and my intentions, they demanded all sorts of paperwork and IDs, etc. It was seriously as though it was a dark comedy nightmare.

Everything you wrote is true. So many people fellate IDA given the chance; I don't know what they're smoking. The product is clunky and ugly (but it mostly works), but as you said, it's got very little competition. I and a few of my colleagues (and many here on HN) could probably do a better job, but I don't want to live in that world.

Man, I think I got pretty far afield there, but your comment resonated with me. Thank you.