@robGTS We've also ran into similar issues, actually pretty common. It's really frustrating dealing with Apple Review. They're rules can be vague and enforcement very inconsistent. Most recently we had a back-and-forth on locking our app to members only, while providing a free interactive demo. Many competitors don't even allow app access without creating an account, while we had created a full demo. Got rejected and went back and forth for a week or two before they approved.
Now we're working on migrating from an IAP free trial using Intro Offers to a Software Trial. Reasons: 1) We want to enable several trials on the fly and on demand for our non-paying users for cases where we add new features and want to give them a second try. 2) We want the trial users that did not upgrade the chance to upgrade at a later time using another intro offer through sales events providing discounted subs, and 3) We want a more seamless onboarding process of getting customers into our Pro App without opting into a paid subscription with trial.
Has anyone had success with a "software trial" without using IAP on this topic lately, or are we pretty much doomed to get rejected?