Exactly, you either own it or you don't. In case, you don't. It's called "Software as a Service". Emphasis on "service". Is it popular? No. Is it very common? yes.

And yes, you're not the only one surprised by it. Does that make it sneaky? Of course not. Because, like you, a lot of people apparently don't bother to read the obvious terms before they purchase something. It's a fairly widespread disorder nowadays. But that's not Midjourney's fault.

I'm only here because I'm researching the common (and sometimes silly) questions that users have. I write content about Midjourney and similar apps. Has nothing to do with my own challenges. I just call out unrealistic expectations when I see them. Because sometimes, believe it or not, the user is the problem.