BIOSMonkey

Backward compatibility is nearly impossible to do if you expect software to move forward with new features.  Every example I have seen of some application allowing you to save to an older version (photoshop, word etc) will warn of losing features.  It becomes compounded if the 2.0 file is further edited with the 1.0 version, potentially breaking relationships between objects and data structures that 2.0 would naturally keep intact.  Then you have a complete mess.
It might technically be possible to have a data structure with 2.0 exclusive features (for example) as a separate metadata structure with links to the "base" primitives, but then what happens if that primitive is edited or removed?   Opening the file again in 2.0 will have metadata tied to a non-existent primitive.  So then 2.0 would have to try and "clean up" all these orphaned links.
That's just a simple example.   It's really not reasonable to expect 100% migration compatibility at major version changes.
 

Backward compatibility is nearly impossible to do if you expect software to move forward with new features.  Every example I have seen of some application allowing you to save to an older version (photoshop, word etc) will warn of losing features.  It becomes compounded if the 2.0 file is further edited with the 1.0 version, potentially breaking relationships between objects and data structures that 2.0 would naturally keep intact.  Then you have a complete mess.
It might technically be possible to have a data structure with 2.0 exclusive features (for example) as a separate metadata structure with links to the "base" primitives, but then what happens if that primitive is edited or removed?   Opening the file again in 2.0 will have metadata tied to a non-existent primitive.  So then 2.0 would have to try and "clean up" all these orphaned links.
That's just a simple example.   It's really not reasonable to expect 100% migration compatibility at major version changes.
 

I also have kids, and when they need something that will help better themselves, I get it for them.   It's not spoiling them - it's enabling them to succeed.
Justifying this missing feature because it has a 1 in front of the version number ignores the fact (again) that this was requested 5 years ago ... at least. 
While some of the comments may have gone a little sideways, I really believe the takeaway here is that Serif is seriously missing some important features that will ultimately cost them customers.  I would like to see these tools continue and improve ... but there are just some things that designers need.... and those that do feel ignored.
And let's be clear - it's not "text warping".  It's envelope distortion (or mesh distortion or mesh warp... it's not just text) - but AI is SO far advanced in this area especially the "make with warp" functions with different warping styles like arc, bulge,  flag etc.  plus the H and V distortion sliders.   I mean that dialog is sooo incredibly useful for logo design.   In addition you also have the mesh warp with custom row and column counts for anchor points.... ugh ... Serif really has some catching up to do.
So as for your advice to go back to Adobe?  Done.   At least for now.

I am a newcomer to the Affinity line of products, but reading through this (and several very similar) threads I just want to say that I am incredibly impressed with the patience and generosity of the folks here, and it's nice to know that I would be able to get help for a legitimate question should the need arise some day.
Alfred, you're the man.

Same here.  Came to this forum to post a similar message.   Created a simple banner with some curves, switched to Export persona and immediate hang.   Did the Clear trick as described above and successfully got to export, but as rsim says, clicking Slices tab hangs it again.
Not trying to be a jerk but I am starting to try and transition to AD instead of illustrator for design, so this is a little concerning.  Really like and appreciate the value of Affinity tools (I own all) but at the end of the day I have to be able to trust I can get work done!