As an individual, I can train almost as well on the cheap development copy of SQL Server and the free Visual Studio version. (Actual development is done on the company or clients dime and time. We have test workstations and servers with licensed software.)

The money spent on a personal MSDN is better spent on PluralSight, Udemy and a ORA Safari subscriptions. Plus the occasional book or such. And time online reading documentation or blogs. As for OSS software that I use for 50% of my jobs? Subscription cost is affordable... :hehe:

Plus MS is embracing OSS. I can use C#, ASP.NET or F# on Linux. Database maybe different, but it's not expensive. 😀

As for expensive training courses? I wish. But wish in one hand...