As an experienced, long term user of QuickBooks Desktop (through hosting company Right Networks), I have a similar dislike for Intuit's online version of QuickBooks.  I had a long conversation with an Intuit representative that was willing to be honest.  The reason Intuit is going in this direction is because the QuickBooks software was built on a very old software platform, and it is no longer sustainable.  She admitted that their programmers are all getting old.   They literally don't have a choice but to go this route.  I was very distraught to hear about this.

That said, here is the scoop.  You need to be an Intuit subscription customer by July 31, 2024.  If so you will be grandfathered and allowed to use QuickBooks Desktop for the foreseeable future, including new software upgrades.  HOWEVER, after July 31, they will not accept any new customers for the desktop version, and you will be forced to go to the online product.  So word to the wise.  If you want to be grandfathered, make sure you buy or renew a subscription to QuickBooks Desktop before July 31, 2024