That could be true or could be false, but considering I have had to deal with 5+ viruses on computers that have had Norton on them and my dad had to buy a new computer because he thought Norton was going to protect him when I told him 3-4 years ago it is shit. I am going to continue to say paying for AV software is pointless especially paying for Norton.
What makes you think freeware is useless? To actually pay for AV software of any kind imo is a waste of money. I have never had a virus using freeware while things like Norton or McAfee which people pay for is complete crap.
i have never had a freeware AV that wanted me to pay to get rid of a virus. sure; they want you to pay to get their 'premium' service, but most of the things that are included i don't want or need protection from, so the free version is all i need. so long as you shop around (irony notwithstanding) having freeware isn't a disadvantage for the general internet user like myself.