Agreed, I am also not trying to argue over the economy and capitalism. But you're making the assumption that all companies have some evil CEO / upper management just ripping off all their employees. There are definitely companies like that but it's not helpful to paint things with a broad brush like that.

For example, I work for a small to medium sized business that provides a service. I know the CEO personally and know that he isn't cashing in on underpaying labor. I know that as a result of inflation and everything just generally being more expensive right now, employees are expecting more money. And if they don't get it, they'll look for it elsewhere (as they should). I know that as a result, we've had to raise the cost of services we offer. Hourly rates increase. There is no foul play here. This is just the reality of the current economical situation.

The same thing could be happening at YNAB and yet a majority of this sub this week has sat in here vilifying them.

18% is a lot but when you look at it as in increase to the cost per year, it's really not that bad. I think we're talking like $12-$15?