I have to agree. I always felt that $44.95 was too cheap for a year's support and updates and, in IMHO, it's unrealistic to expect to pay $44.95 per annum for 8 years with no price increases.
It's vital for me that WHMCS is strong for the future and I will be watching closely to make sure that they live up to this statement made in their email:
"We are making a significant investment in both staff and behind the scenes technologies as we look to enhance the capability and automation WHMCS provides, and significantly accelerate the speed with which we're able to deliver changes. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of these changes over the coming weeks and months."