I used Delphi versions 2-7 many years ago when I was learning to code, some were free versions some were pirated ones. Then I moved to other web languages (PHP, JS, HTML, CSS) and then few years ago I discovered free Lazarus/FPC combo. It's stable and has single huge advantage - it runs flawlessly on Linux/OSX/Windows/FreeBSD and can compile binaries for other OSes and architectures even on ARM(Raspberry Pi). Lately I've found UniDAC database components by devart.com for Delphi/Lazarus and loved them instantly.

I also think Delphi Community version is too little, too late with such a good and cheap alternative.

I'm not affiliated with devart.com.