I don't see any "raining on the parade" here. No one has tried or even implied that those who are happy with Xtreme are wrong in anyway. Why so defensive?

I think people are simply putting their views. Xara are clearly doing what they think is right. So? Does that mean those who do not agree should just shut up and go away? Although Covoxer, and others, try, getting information about the software's future development out of Xara has often been like getting blood from a stone.

Why does it come as a surprise that those who bought Xtreme for illustration, or it's qualities other than web design, voice disappointment at Xaras chosen direction?

I like Xtreme, for the limited use I make of it, that does not mean it is perfect or even close, nothing ever could be perfect. It does mean I will voice my concerns and, yes, disappointment when I see that Xtreme is not going to improve the things I care about.

Such is life.