Aren't domain registrations ultimately kept by the registry (e.g. Verisign for .com) not the registrar. If you transfer your domain, you don't forfeit far out expiry dates?
They can't. The registration expiration date is managed at the registry (and they've already paid the registry for all of those years).
Re:Gandi.net – Pricing Update
by r-spaghetti on Wednesday June 14, 2023 @12:25PM
(#36328308)
Better check this at the registry. I've noticed that this group of companies has a new policy regarding domain renewal: let the client pay at date X and update the registry just within hours before the domain expires.
Paying 9 nine years in advance might just result in the obligation of this company to renew the domain 9 times for you, unless you move out of course....
Dark patterns is becoming the standard.
Given the speed with which Gandi is circling down the drain I won't be surprised if they annul that renewal at some point later on.