and then after you've been paying for a subscription for 3 years and you decide you are happy with version X for the time being, you won't be able to continue using it if you stop paying. From the Subscription FAQ:
If I cancel my subscription, does that mean I can still use my software, and that I just won’t receive updates for the most current version?
No. When you cancel your subscription you will no longer have access to any version of your Creative Suite subscription software.
If I cancel my subscription, does that mean I can still use my software, and that I just won’t receive updates for the most current version?
No. When you cancel your subscription you will no longer have access to any version of your Creative Suite subscription software.