...... The 1Password software which can be licensed separately is quality software. It's the same software used by subscription accounts. The software is actively developed, with frequent bug fixes and occasional features added.
.....
Not exactly. For e.g., the implementation of travel mode and I
think sharing passwords requires you to have a subscription. I guess that is what they (1Password) meant when they said that the standalone version will not be their focus. For e.g., the integration with the 'Pwned' service also requires you to have a subscription. Granted it is in beta but it is highly probable that this will not be included in the standalone version.
So I think it is easier for them to develop when they can assume that everyone is on board the subscription train. The design decisions they will take/are taking will keep the subscription model in mind.