I agree. We have been feeling that same degradation of Arena but each time I have asked I have been assured that this is not the case. They say Arena is being developed and is as viable a product as any of the other products. But, actions speak louder than words.
All action is currently focused on ShelbyNext. Arena didn't get included in the interface for the Ministry One app. Why? Arena didn't get included in the interface for Worship Planning. Why? Arena's Schedule View works well but desperately needs a few tweaks and upgrades. Nothing has been done to rectify those things (asked for by many people!) Why? The list goes on.
We have Arena set with many customized SPROCS that give our staff the information they need quickly and easily. Would we be able to customize ShelbyNext in the same manner? One customization is the ability to pull ALL parents of a child, regardless if they are in the same household or not. All our communications go to ALL parents. I have not seen this ability to connect with related parents anywhere else.
Honesty in this matter would be greatly appreciated. If Arena is going to remain viable, then we should see real updates made regularly. If Arena is going to languish and die, please let us know so we can plan accordingly.
Bottom line: Arena Churches do notice the silence on the product in which we have invested money, time and energy.