So 1.0 owners have to start paying the monthly fee immediately?

[Abriael]

And more evidence. From the original lodestone post

Between October and December of 2012, we plan to integrate the current service and the coming PlayStation®3 version into the all-new FINAL FANTASY XIV. At this time, a second free trial period will also be offered.

"SECOND" free trial period. This shows clearly what they mean with "free trial". The first "free trial period" was the first month everyone got with the purchase of FFXIV 1.0 and that was then extended. It most certainly was not a beta.

Don't believe me? Check here.

We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV's new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.

It shows quite clearly what Square Enix means with "Free trial period". There are multiple instances of that definition all over the lodestone, and they all refer to the same thing (which is quite aptly the standard for the whole video game industry). For added security I checked the Japanese version, and it brings the same results. In no instance the term "free trial period" is ever associated to a beta test. It's always associated with the initial free month after release that has afterwards been extended.

I'm sorry duuude, the only work of fiction here is done by you.