You're assuming that everyone who is using the software and is connected to the internet is using
Blue Iris Update Helper. I honestly had to look it up to figure out what it was. I don't use it so my data isn't being sent to them. Also, is there a way to opt out of the "anonymous performance data?" I know the option exists for BI and I opted out of that. I'm not familiar with the Update Helper tool, so I don't know what it does.
Additionally, my server didn't go down, it just switched to eval mode. It's still connected to the "mothership" (for lack of a better word). That doesn't count as "downtime." The software is up, it's running, it's just in a non-useable state.
I am very happy that you are willing to admit you are making generalizations. Thank you.