well, there are numerous people in-game that have told me the premium account is NOT required. however, i have already added the premium as per the guide from the lodestone the other day, or so. but that doesn't help any, because it is impossible for me to purchase the damn points. and i tried again today... the bank thought my card was stolen. and now the bank has locked my card under a pending 48hour investigation, even though i told them there was zero unauthorized activity.


*sigh* either way, Square Enix sure did a bang up job with this. just got my income tax today and can't even spend for another 2 days. THANK YOU, Square Enix.