This isn't how this works: "It appears that the multi-user license only comes with one server"
It doesn't "come with" any Server. The Connectivity is managed, and only one computer can be Hosting the shared file. If you bought 2 licenses or a 2-user Package, it "comes" with the right to install the program Twice (that's the Two License or 2- License Pack) and the fact that you now own 2 "rights" makes it possible to also use Multi-user = two people at the same time accessing the same file at the same time. Multi-user is the Sharing part. 2 Licenses is the Program Installation part.
"to open the file and that server must be accessible by each client when they want to access files."
That's because you are sharing. If you have an office system that acts as file host, it won't "use" a license. It doesn't count against the license count.
"While the documentation does not state that the clients cannot open up files independently"
Yes, of course you can open files independently. That is what you are doing now, so you know that function works.
"(some text I've read implies they might be able to), it probably isn't worth risking the price difference to try out - after all it would be a bit silly to have the two-user version cheaper than two licenses if the two-user version gave you all of the features of the two licenses... (once again, doesn't mean it won't work, but I'm guessing that it doesn't)."
It's called Planning Ahead. If you knew you wanted 2-licenses, you buy the cheapest package price that meets your needs.
"I have to say that Intuit's customer support is among the worst in the IT industry."
This is a Peer user community on the internet.
For Mac, here, one person that you will find helpful is @IntuitBrooks.
"The actual Desktop software is good once you know how to use it (at least the previous version was)"
Do you use www.qblittlesquare.com for your video tutorials, etc? That is QB for Mac-specific.
"but two hours of my time, including 1/2 hour on the phone with their support to get the system to merely recognize the registration code that they sent me is ridiculous"
1/2 hour? Geez, there are many people that post here out of desperation, while they also are still on hold from 2 hours. It seems you got great service.
