I think when you're in a serious work mood, not having fun playing a game, that sort of thing would be incredibly infuriating.

Also, Photoshop is usually paid for by people's employees anyway, so the user doesn't really care about the price.

> that sort of thing would be incredibly infuriating

Why? You already have to pay for these things, except you need to go look for them everywhere and find out how to import them and restore them from somewhere if you change machine. A marketplace for tooling is uber-valuable, and it's also an insane opportunity for creators who want to sell on these marketplaces.

The only thing I'm talking about is:

1. make the software free

2. incorporate a marketplace to find free or paid add-ons, brushes, effects, etc...

3. take a cut

Okay, but why (1)? Why not just (2) and (3)?

I like this idea for GIMP. I'd definitely feel like I was getting my money's worth if I paid only small amounts per feature, instead of (as a casual user) paying hundreds on a license for everything a la Photoshop.

Your company will buy tools, it won't buy games. You'll personally buy games, most won't buy tools.