It doesn't have to be. Logic Pro X was $199 when I got it. GB is free, and pretty useful. I haven't used cakewalk, but it's free.

I imagine there are oodles of cheap DAW(s) that will at least let you sequence and mix everything together. Technically, I don't think you need a DAW, if you're just playing (though obviously that's a very limited use case). I feel like you could even record tracks into Audacity straight from the instrument

There are TONS of great sounding free VSTs and some very good cheap ones. Some of them can be gotten at a deep discount (though you're usually shelling out $50-100+), but the MSRP is something outrageous. I don't want to shill, but you can "rent-to-own" for zero fee now (don't know how many DAWs are available, but plugins for sure.

It doesn't HAVE to be expensive, though there's probably some stuff you'll inevitably be tempted to buy, as with any hobbies. Is dropping eg. $100-500 on a hobby once or twice a year "expensive"? It's also pretty easy to get into and buy things as you go. You really don't have to drop thousands of dollars on tons of software.

You don't have to pay a dime. Don't quote me on this, but I think there's a major free modular simulator that's pretty good. You could get some solid vintage synths, some drum machine/groovebox, and effects for like $50-80.

If you think about everything going into it that's a ton of functionality for your buck, especially compared with traditional hardware synths. I have $3-5k in my rig (plus I buy VSTs), and it's still relatively basic. I don't own a single high end synth, my most expensive would be considered midrange at ~$1200... ONE BOX ... you could buy so much fucking software for that, it's crazy.

BTW almost none of this is necessary for you to experiment and create. You need very little... like 1-5 vsts, some utility(s), and minimal plug-in. I encourage OP and anyone reading this to create if they have the urge. I'm 100% positive you can get into it at any price point. Paying more money won't help you as much as you think here. Much better to keep it small and master one box at a time.

>I would much rather have it be like software development where almost everything is free. And instead of paying upfront, synths / effects can make money by taking a cut of your revenue (I don't think that's like software development but it means synth producers still make revenue).

I have to disagree with you there. First of all, I don't agree with this generalization, as it seems very focused on your own background. There are lots of people selling software (including design tools), sometimes for outrageous prices, if it's sought after.

It seems like almost all software is sold. I don't know how this business model is supposed to work. This is how small to medium sized software companies work. They have to sell to as many people as possible TBH, because most of their userbase is going to make $0.

I think your frame of reference is out of wack regarding what stuff costs, because we're getting screaming bargains on soft things (eg. media, newspapers, ect.) This "everything must be" free attitude is really toxic and having some troubling effects. I think it would also be hard to prove what people are using, and enforce this. Even for recordings, but so much money is made live.

Wow, what a tirade. Sorry folks, but I wanted to get that out there.