Personally, I don't really use any of the tools other than the camera finder a couple times just to compare features, and I've played with the Maps thing a little out of curiosity... given my CURRENT usage I don't think I'd miss them if they were separate...
BUT!
What if tomorrow the need suddenly arises to use one of them, except now I have to go through the hassle of setting up a separate subscription, and until that's done I don't have access?
What if someone who never tried any of the tools was suddenly inspired by a thread like the one this was split from, to actually go see what that tool is about... but couldn't because it's a separate subscription?
Or going the other way, what if someone used the "tools" subscription but never read the articles or discussions... but then in using the Camera Finder, decided the listings didn't give enough details on the two or three models he'd narrowed it down to, and wanted to look up some bench tests or actual user reviews/discussions on those cameras... but again, couldn't because it's a separate subscription?
Sure, in either case, they can add that subscription, and wait for it to get processed... at which point the moment has passed and they've found suitable information elsewhere.
I mean, I suppose you could set it up so, for example, if you had ONLY a Tools subscription, and you look up a camera, and click a link to its bench tests, you'd have full viewing of ONLY that test and not the rest of the discussions and articles... but that could get to be a logistical nightmare from an administration standpoint.
I suspect splitting the two features of the site out like that would open a big can of frustration for John and for a lot of users, beyond just needing to track the two separate subscription types...