It's not exactly the same software, no. The differences I've noticed for the moment are very minor:
- the ScreeSets bar changed color (orange in 4.0, yellow in 4.5);
- in 4.0 if you saved a project under a new name, the project title in the live bar would change to that new name, while in 4.5 it stays at whatever you set it to initially and doesn't change if you save the project under a new name;
- the "about" window says "4.5", I guess the splash screen also.
So that's at least one bugfix, altho it's very small. I kinda liked that bug/feature tho, and I kinda liked the orange bar too. But after putting all my different plush toys to a vote, we collectively decided to keep 4.5.
What bugs me a bit (well, this is a figure of style, it doesn't really bug me
) is that people are quick to factor in devices as part of the software when talking about glitches/bugs, but quick to exclude them when considering version numbers.
If you count in the change in device, this IS a fairly big update, even if it's not really the one you want and/or expect.
Also, as far as I know, there's no set absolute and legal standard for versioning software. I'm sure there's plenty of drafts, but nothing a software maker absolutely must follow should you buy his products (maybe go and read that EULA/licence again
.)
So it's the software maker's, and ONLY the software maker's decision to make.
And frankly, I doubt the reaction would have been different if they had called it 4.1 or 4.01.
The culprit throughout all this isn't bundled devices, version numbers, nomenclature, creamware or wdm drivers or alien invaders, no (altho...), it's the same culprit as usual: Your (yes, you there!) expectations!
I got the full S&S upgrade with my PowerPulsar, and I must say I feel very guilty for getting so much mindblowing devices for so little money. Each of the synths included are worth easily, easily 200 euros each, so you really shouldn't feel bad for paying whatever you have for them. At that level of quality, having them is the important part, not how much you paid. After hearing them, I am strongly considering getting the ASB boxes and will happily shell out 700-800 euros/usd to get a hardware duplicate of something I already have. As much as I love my Virus Indigo, this stuff is just as good, and even at 200 euros each they are a steal.
So if you still feel any resentment/anger, go and direct it at those poor little defenseless synthesis engines and make some noise =P
