Ha Ha. So a UK card is now OK then 
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Unless there is some sort of trade agreements for such transaction. The Brexit was so complicated I still have no idea how such internet purchase is handled.
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Sometimes now get tax added on online purchases from EU. But UK / Ireland is a bit more complicated, so I have no idea. Sorry this is a diversion from OP.
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Yes, I know.
It seems to be the most complicated part of this whole deal.
Just to point out, because I think comparisons can be a good thing...
This is in the US.
Windows 10 Home costs $139 and is suited for a home computer or gaming.
Windows 10 Pro costs $199.99 and is suited for businesses or large enterprises.
And there are those that can get the free Windows 11 upgrade.
And for that cost, they get to track everything you do and take you're info to sell off and make even more $$. So whether it's 39, 45, or whatever.
Which do you prefer...???
I'll stick with Pro, and be completely Happy.. 
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Here's the update from the Forum Bot Polling Station:
86% users replied that they chose Zorin Pro to give support to the developers.
13% users replied that they chose it for the additional desktop layouts and pre-installed applications.
If you are Pro user and if you have not voted yet, I invite you to come to that thread to vote and leave some comments if you like.
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Guess I cheated by buying Win10Pro licenses off of eBay for about $5 each, one of which I installed Zorin 16 Core over. 
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I got my Windows 10 Pro license for free 
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I would say about a billion didn't
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Unless one buys Linux pre-install machines (still not very common), almost all PCs are sold with Windows pre-installed. The price of the Windows is included in the price tag. So, in a sense, we are all buying Windows whether we like/need it or not.
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My computer to old and i need operating system. That why bought Zorin with good price. Support updates to 2025. I remember Zorin 15.3 Ultimate bought with a normal price. Then politics in my country sayed - anything what you buying from shop online are tax. Yes Zorin 16 was taxed.
Red Hat sells the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system. They sell multiple products, in addition, to support. So, you're right, they've proven that selling a premium version of an open-source OS works.
Most people don't donate, regardless of what open source project it is. Large open-source projects rely primarily on corporate sponsorships, not individual donations, to operate. Most people donate time, contributing in one way or another. It helps the project thrive, but it is not a sustainable business model.
I like that Zorin has an income stream, so they have funds to continue development.
The thing about selling is you need to sell what people want. If nobody wants it, nobody will pay for it. People want extra layouts to meet their needs, so it makes sense to put this behind a paywall. They are willing to pay.
You can't make everyone happy. You want layouts to be free. Another user might want free installation support because newbies switching from Windows/Macs might have issues and it will ruin their experience.
Today's my first day with Zorin. I'm not new to Ubuntu/Debian, but new to Zorin.
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You might be interested to see the result of this Poll (still ongoing):
At this point, over 80% chose Pro version to support the developers.
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That's not a donation 
I shop sometimes locally to support local businesses, that's not donating.
I see your point.
But what you will get for Pro version is just 4 additional desktop layouts and pre-installed apps (which can be easily installed manually on the free Core version).
Those extras are a way to say "thank you" to the Pro users from the developers. I see it more like getting a Red Poppy on the Remembrance Day when I make a donation to Boyscout. I will get something in return but is way less proportional to what I paid.
By the way, it is quite possible to create a something similar to those extra layouts by using third party dock apps such as Plank and Docky.
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The pre-made layouts and installed apps offer convenience, especially for beginners. You can do it yourself and spend time, or pay and save time. I think they should add more to the Pro version, maybe even more layouts to choose from. I think convenience and peace of mind are 2 things that should be capitalized on in Linux space.
The other nice thing Pro includes, which users new to Linux might find useful, is the installation support from the team.
It would be interesting to see revenue breakdown, to see how donations compare to the Pro sales. At least percentage-wise.
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I see the polling result - over 82% said their motivation for choosing Pro version is to support developers.
It is a good thing to know since I always said that majority of the Pro users are purchasing Pro version in lieu of making a donation. This result confirmed my belief 
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This is exactly why Pro version must exist.
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That’s right in your argument is right now the most easy distro linux out there.
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@mikedomo Hi and welcome to the forum. Thankyou for indicating you have ZorinOS Pro and that you are finding it easy.
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