I think this idea applies to everything, not just software. If you paid $10k for something you probably will consider it valuable and treasure it. Even if there are better alternatives out there you're likely to have some emotional attachment. You put in research before investing that much money and you're likely to rationalize and defend your decision to purchase it.
Whereas when you get something for free you obviously have no financial investment. You can just throw it away without any care or feeling of loss. You're likely to perceive it as having no tangible value at first. The more time and resources you invest into that the more you will start perceiving the value.
Whereas when you get something for free you obviously have no financial investment. You can just throw it away without any care or feeling of loss. You're likely to perceive it as having no tangible value at first. The more time and resources you invest into that the more you will start perceiving the value.