Have to kinda wonder if this really is a do or die move by SE. I mean, the game already has the reputation of having a low population. Forcing some of the people who are curious about the game, but not too impressed with it yet to make a decision to pay or leave is kinda harsh I think.
Sure this will remove some of the trolls and trash talkers that just frequent the forums to say bad things about this game, but realistically isn't it going to lower the population, and perhaps even make some of the people who are going to say "bored".
One thing I really liked about ffxi, was the community. Not just the friends I made, but the whole "atomosphere" of the game felt like "home" to me. Seeing the same people, for years (before they offered server transfers). It was fun grouping up with people I had ran into before, sometimes years ago, remembering their name even though I never really became friends with them. It just had that familiar feel.
I hope this game doesn't get too empty that the people who do support it by paying get bored.













