While they do want to make things a little better for the developers that use it, the primary target audience is not developers
I’d be interested to have the features identified that have been released in v17 and v18 that were aimed at the ‘above-average user’?
By CEO You mean Mr. Freitag?
Tried that, no chance.
(there was almost never a problem to get in contact with Mr. Goupil)
Seems to me to be a distinction without a real difference.
This is the list from the Feature Comparison page. I only removed 3 items.
FileMaker Pro 18 Advanced Features
FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced Features
I know in your mind there is no 'difference'. But we will just have to agree to disagree then.
I find it interesting that you have been unsuccessful. From personal experience, and reports from many developers, Brad has been more involved in the community as a whole than Dominique was.
By which venues did you try to talk with him? Or one of the senior management?
IAC, Didn’t mean to offend.
I had the same experience with another senior exec. Politely asked, but no answer at all. I guess the question did not please. The relationship is bad for a reason.
I have thoughts on it. But it’s all based on speculation. I can only comment on what has worked for me.
When I ask a question, the person asking knows I’m not going to use their words against them. They know I’m not going to publicly speak poorly of them, and that any confidential info, I won’t spill. And lastly, when we disagree with each other, it’s done gently and we respect. That has generated a positive relationship between Claris and me. We both benefit from the relationship...even though we have vast differences of opinion.
You are the nice guy!
But isn't that what it takes to have a relationship that isn't contentious and combative?
For me it is more about mutual respect.
That's what I get from this approach.
You are the nice guy, again!
It was a question related to a paper FMI had published on their community site. I posted my question there, addressing the person who published it. My question was visible to everyone. It was not flagged as inappropriate and remained there for weeks - unanswered. And some day my post disappeared.
Surely and certainly this is because I am so bad and so rude 
<– me
Just so you know where I stand, my "thoughts" and "speculation" were not surrounding anything you did. I know it feels like I'm always the antagonist here, but I have respect for all of you as developers...if I didn't, I wouldn't bother to participate.
No problem. The question I asked was about statistical methodology. The subject itself is outrageously rude and disrespectful! Homer Simpson would say ‘AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!’
Since FileMaker decided to nuke their community from orbit, I do hope FMSoup tends towards professionalism rather than discontent. I need a place for discussions on how to do things, not why they aren't done for me.
Absolutely Mac 
Thanks @Mac. I've been feeling the same, but struggling to find the words. I understand that people need a place to air grievances too, but I guess I get pretty easily overwhelmed when the grievances pile up too high. Balance in all things.