I understand your concerns about Media Cleaner. As its creator, I use the free version myself on my sites with great results. So what you stayed is not true. Of course, Media Cleaner can be used without a license.
If it’s not working as you hoped, it’s likely because page builders need extra features that are in the paid version. I add these features because some users find them valuable and support their development. The free version already offers solid functionality for many use cases.
I have two questions for you; do you know any plugin that can do what you need, for free? And what would you do if you were me, in order to please an user like you. Just think about it.
Not the OP, but I can chime in.
I’m perfectly okay with plugin being paid. I just expected file system checks being in a free version, the primary reason for seeking such plugins is files orphaned on the file system. Based on the description, these checks are only in pro version. I personally do not care about other complex builders and stuff, I simply need to delete the files which are not referenced in the media from disk. Looks like it’s a pro feature.
Again, perfectly fine to have your own pricing. But my guess is OP expected the same or similar as me.
And, obviously, you can’t please everyone. Not worth to even try, you can’t. Unless the plugin is completely free, which is unreasonable.
