If no-one has found any workarounds for these issues, I would rather use
Version 4.0 for editing. But does the Acrobat license allow you to use an
older product after upgrading?
What normally happens is that when you upgrade you are required to keep the whole package (older versions plus upgrades) which becomes your "license". What is almost always prohibited is selling older version to others and this is understandable.
Upgrades often require use of the early package so that in itself implies you are still licensed for the whole package. Again, it is a common and reasonable practice to run the old and new versions while gaining experience with the new version. If the new one was incompatible with hardware then it would again be reasonable to be able to use the old one.
What may no longer be available, certainly after a period, is to get support on an older version.
Now I have deliberately couched that in terms of what is widely accepted with software. End users should always recognize that licenses, particularly where copyright is concerned, may have rights that flow from original copyright law, but a license is a contract and when you accept a contract, you accept the provisions in it. In this case I would say you are OK unless there is a clear prohibition in the text of the license.
I can understand Adobe being surprised by the question since it is far removed from the greater issue of piracy through sale of upgraded software.
I can cite on example of a license prohibition that probably dates back to around 1985. Lotus 123 came with two diskettes labelled "Program" and "Backup". The license was explicit but bear in mind that it was copy protected and had to stay in the floppy drive while the program was in use.
(I don't vouch for the exact words but this would be farily close. We had to order a replacement diskette at the company where I worked.)
"You may not use the Backup diskette unless and until the Program diskette becomes faulty. You may then use the Backup diskette while you send the Program diskette for replacement. As soon as a replacement is received you must discontinue using the Backup diskette."
Regards
Merv Leeding
