The time to take on Adobe was probably 10-15 years ago. At this point to oust them or even try to compete with them you would have have to create a feature for

The time to take on Adobe was probably 10-15 years ago. At this point to oust them or even try to compete with them you would have have to create a feature for feature better product, and offer it at a lower price point. Your interface would either have to mimic adobe's to ease transition or be a significant improvement that its beneficial to switch. As far as dialed down "40% functionality" - isn't that what Adobe tried with their "Elements" line dialed back versions of Premier/Photoshop at a lower price point? I get the feeling it would be hard to roll out a "40%" product without a "100%" as well - or else you risk having the narrative around your product becoming "use this until you start taking yourself seriously - then learn a whole new software suite when you graduate to Adobe" Idk. Lack of competition isn't great, but back when others were actively trying Photoshop was still king (thinking back to the 4.0/5.0 days)