I stand by my my original post and analysis on this matter which can be seen here: How much longer will Roon offer a lifetime subscription?
My advice from back then still stands. Even post price increase the lifetime license is still a bargain, you should grab it while you can. Roon is in fact easing us into this by increasing the price rather than simply eliminating the lifetime option.
If you missed it at the $499 price, a shame, but don’t make the same mistake again - grab a lifetime license while you still can.