No, you do not need to buy an upgrade every year. The upgrade is just a license to use the current version, Stardraw AV 2007, where previously you were only licensed to use the old version, Stardraw AV, released in 2000.
The subscription, however, is an annual charge but it's optional. If you want to benefit from access to online services, data updates and unlimited free technical support then you need a current subscription. If you allow your subscription to lapse you can still use Stardraw AV 2007, but you can't access those services.
The upgrade price includes your first year's subscription. Full pricing details for subscriptions can be seen at http://www.stardraw.com/Products/PricingDesign.asp
A quote was sent on March 7th. We're looking into why you didn't receive it so expect to hear from Tim Van Grove, if you haven't already. Kind regards,Rob RobinsonStardraw.com