[cflsystems]

If I have to be on the user side I would 100% agree with you. Especially for a non-technical person I wouldn't want to do all this.

But you have take into account what XC actually is. It is a downloadable shopping cart software putting all the control and power into your hands.

Think about the other choice - SaaS. Ready cart, tons of templates, maybe everything setup easily, more user friendly interface. But you have absolutely no control over the cart, how it works, hosting, changes per your liking, etc. Whatever is there that's it. You need changes - you have to ask the cart provider. You need better hosting - sorry no can do. You need to troubleshoot errors - you cannot. You go to the cart provider.... You totally depend on the SaaS and you are at their mercy.

With XC you can change hosting as you please. You can get any developer you can find to work on the cart. You can install whatever you want on it whether is XC approved or not. Custom changes too.

You can either choose the "simple and friendly" cart changes which SaaS solutions provide or you can choose to be in control of your store but have a little bit rough experience with it.

XC5 being downloadable was one of the main complaints we had when QT started it as SaaS only. This was and is one of the main factors keeping it what it is.
I like having full control over this. Not to mention SaaS solutions while they seem better and easier and may have lower startup cost require in most cases monthly payments in hundreds of dollars to keep them functioning. And they can raise prices as they please and you cant say much.
With XC even if price of cart or module goes up whatever you have has been paid for and free to use as is forever.

Just my 2 c.