Commander X16

What is the value in paying for forum software when free, open-source software is readily available?  The $800 price tag seems awfully steep; I can't imagine the quality of the software being better by any amount, let alone by $800's worth.  (though, admittedly I have only ever admin'd a Discourse ...

I've been following along with the development of the x16 for a while now and am starting to get excited to be able to get one.  I'm a software engineer for Anark Corp, currently JavaScript focused, but my background is Java.  I've always loved assembly, but that tends to be just a hobby I play wit...