I don't think the problem is saving the licenses. The way I understand it is if you loose your dongle then whole new licenses have to be issued which is why it costs VSL money. Maybe I'm wrong?
What's to stop me from telling Vienna that I lost my dongle, when I really didn't, and I need a new one with my licenses restored then turning around and selling that new one to somebody else and letting them download the software from my user area?
Well, paying 50% of the cost of the licenses is a pretty big deterrent.
As for a dongle breaking, again, if it malfunctions due to no fault of your own and you're within that two year period then that's on Vienna for selling you a faulty dongle right?
VSL could use an in house system and then not get charged by Steinberg
VSL could make an arrangement with Steinberg to cover these issues
VSL could put in steps to verify the identity of the user when re-issueing licences (like other companies do) therefore ther is no need to levy a 50% detterent
Legitimate customers that get offered this amazing half price penalty offer may well just go and buy libraries from other companies instead - loosing VSL customer base. They will understandably be reluctant to buy further packages after being stung this way. NO other company has this sharp practice.
The two year thing for dongles is also wrong, wrong, wrong.