Those free versions only exist because of the OGL, which WotC wanted to rein in. In part because of their own VTT being in development. This was also before WotC changed how they sold their books, now they are slanted to being part of a Beyond membership. While 3rd party seller still have a supply of books, the WotC main website is now only selling physical books as a bundle with a digital one for an up charge. Wizards is changing and is very much transitioning to prioritize their digital goods.
Those free versions only exist because of the OGL, which WotC wanted to rein in. In part because of their own VTT being in development. This was also before WotC changed how they sold their books, now they are slanted to being part of a Beyond membership. While 3rd party seller still have a supply of books, the WotC main website is now only selling physical books as a bundle with a digital one for an up charge. Wizards is changing and is very much transitioning to prioritize their digital goods.
I mean this isn’t just a wild conspiracy theroy, Wizards themselves said as much during an investor meeting.