I have used these web programs for years. Is it going away or phasing out? Is it worth it to keep the yearly updates when the quarterly updates are scarce.
That you would have to ask Xara/Msgix - judging by the latest versions the program is current and meets the latest standards for web sites.
. . . . Is it worth it to keep the yearly updates when the quarterly updates are scarce . . . .
There are 2 different aspects of the yearly update service:
bug fixes, new features and always latest version
access to the Online gallery for templates, widgets etc.
Stop the yearly update service and you lose both, additionally, if you have to re-install the program it will revert to the original version you purchased and access to the Online gallery will not be available unless you have downloaded the entire gallery to your PC before terminating the Update service.