Sorry, but you are wrong. They are neither. They are simply trying to force all current users of QB that are not subscription based cloud versions to go to subscription based cloud versions. Just follow the money. Note that if you buy a desktop version of QB you can use it for years at no additional cost beyond what you originally paid. Good for you. Bad for Intuit. Hence, force users in to subsctiption services with monthly or annual fees and keep their data in the cloud, i.e. on Intuit's servers where it can be held hostage. 

No folks, Intuit is not stupid at all. Do they care about their customers? Yes, but they want to hold them by the balls.