I originally bought EQ6, and I upgraded to EQ7 as soon as it was available. EQ6 had the problem that you mention with activations, but EQ7 does not have this problem. Here is more information about the EQ7 activation/deactivation:
http://electricquilt.com/Shop/EQ7/EQ...#abtActivation
I use EQ all the time. I highly recommend it.