If it’s coming from my older coworkers, I know it’s meant well. They approve of whatever was discussed and are too busy to type out more, or its unnecessary.

If it’s coming from my gen z boyfriend, I have pissed him off.

Maybe explain your basis as to why you believe proprietary software to be a scam?

Weird, I did a ctrl+F and “scam” didn’t come up anywhere.

I understand and use free (libre) software whenever I can. I’m more curious as to why you believe proprietary software specifically is a scam.

How so?