The way I see it is that ADSM on NT has to be priced to match other
standalone backup tools on NT - i.e. very cheap.

However, if you are planning on using ADSM on NT as you main Enterprise
backup system, then you should expect to pay normal Enterprise Backup prices
i.e. quite a lot.

The differences between these two are what is causing you initial problems.
I say initial problems, because once the extended support is in place the
additional costs for adding a new server to your now well established and
expandable ADSM solution is very cheap.

Cheers, Chris