In theory, subscriptions should be a better option for web developers who intend, within a short time-frame, to transfer control of the site to a long-term owner. Imagine, as a contract site developer, being able to evaluate various vendor modules, both individually and in combination, at 10% of the one-off cost and then letting eventual site owner decide which modules to keep... letting them decide which subscriptions to keep paying, and which ones to cancel and pay the one-off price.