I just recieved this annoucement also. Steve and Danielri, you both made a good point. Our ArcGIS Server application is pointing to the Route task. Besides, we have several desktop users (ArcGIS Advanced), with floating and standalone licenses depending on the geocode service. Forcing customers on maintenance or otherwise to a paid subscription service will simply not work for us. I am unhappy with this development, users should push back and send a message to ESRI that we might be forced to look for alternatives other than ESRI.