I've been using Affinity Designer and really enjoyed it.
The problem is that I am unable to create usable files.
The kind of work that I do requires a layer of grouped die lines to be placed over a layer of art. The manufacturers I work with need to be able to rearrange the dies and corresponding artwork. The manufacturers all use Illustrator. When I export files as .PDF or .EPS, they open in Illustrator with every piece grouped together, in a single layer, within a clipping path. I can't submit files like that. SVG's preserve the layer structure, within another layer, but the dimensions are way off.
To be fair, I am aware that these problems are not unique to AD. I've tried separating out the layers in Inkscape with the same result. Another colleague creates his die lines in AutoCAD, but still uses Illustrator to set up files for output. Is there a legal reason for this lack of compatibility? If so, how come SVG's almost work? Is there some sort of workaround? Any plan to change this? I think anyone who works with die lines; packaging, for example, would have the same issue.