Q: I read about the "unclear statements". How did those LAU posts lead to stopping development?
A: Note! The mails are from LAU list. The leading list for opinions concerning audio on Linux which has great influence on all Linux users and distributers.
I do not really believe, there will be a Finale port on Linux. But there is a small probability especially if so many LAU members have the fondest wish to overcome tools like NoteEdit as that LAU thread suggests and if they send appropriate requests to Codamusic. And that would certainly stop NoteEdit usage.
Q: But Finale will never be free!
A: Please remember the history of StarOffice, the predecessor of OpenOffice. Despite of the situation on MS-Windows, the Linux version was always free of charge. Because Finale-NotePad is free on MS-Windows, too, there is certain probability for a free variant of Finale(-NotePad) on Linux.
Q: I don't read that thread like you do. In all, perhaps three people were seriously interested in Finale for Linux!
A: Ok, this is an aspect. But you cannot disavow the LAU list consequently ignores NoteEdit. Read a very typical thread starting here:
http://eca.cx/lau/2004/01/0119.html
A user asks for "music editing software". In my ears it sounds like "NoteEdit". But trace the thread of 28 mails! NoteEdit is neither mentioned nor recommended. But I thought somebody would at least mention the word "NoteEdit". Ok, I could post the word. But, if I, the author, am the one and only person who has this association, why continue NoteEdit?
And do not answer this is a bad example! If you wish I can search for more threads.
And it has practical consequences. NoteEdit was never part of the official Red Hat or Fedora distribution. And it is quite clear why: I assume the Fedora packers are not musicians. So they cannot estimate the different musical score software packages. Indeed, SuSE was the one and only distributer who packed NoteEdit in a very early stage. And again I can tell you why: The person responsible for the SuSE sound packages is a musician. He does not depend on the LAU opinion. And he posted the one and only clear NoteEdit statement:
http://eca.cx/lau/2002/07/0455.html
Another consequence: I presented NoteEdit at some exhibitions. The audience was always enthusiastic and exciting. But, nobody knew NoteEdit: "Ok, but this is a commercial product, because Linux has only Rosegarden.", was the first impression. "No", I answered, "it is even part of the SuSE Linux distribution!". Big surprise! I had the greatest difficulties to explain it is GPL. It was necessary to prepare a plate stating: "This software is GPL."
Q: Do you really refuse any support ?
A: Yes, but perhaps I write a new score editor with direct PostScript export.