TI will play around with Gaia some more, I'm just having a hard time justifying the money they want on a yearly basis. Time will tell
The app is updated constantly. They have a team of developers vs 1 (BCN). Gaia and other developers have to pay licenses for most of the maps they offer. You have way more map options with Gaia than most other apps.
The good quality and current maps are not free for developers to use. The fees to the developers vary. Typically it is based on the amount of data downloaded each month by the users.
I am not saying that will or should make it worth it to you. I am just saying there is a reason for the fees besides a company wanting to make money. For me $2-3 a month to have good quality mapping. Forgo a Starbucks or other fast food visit and you can easily pay for quality software each month.
It really depends how far off the beaten path you go. Apps like Maps.me and Pocket Earth work well for roads and ok for well established dirt roads. After that you need something more robust. I do a lot of "jeep trails" as they are defined on maps and a lot of exploration. I need the best quality maps out there including current satellite to keep me out of trouble.
All of this has been discussed in other threads. So I will end it here. I have used the app for 5 years. Tried and paid for many other apps. I always go back to Gaia. I like the app so much that I went to work for them part time. While I no longer work for them I still believe it is the best app out there. Will I keep trying others? You bet.