Implementing both F2P/Sub is also an option

[DragonFlyy]

This right here. Patches would definitely not happen every 3 months anymore, it's impossible to budget on a F2P and make
any kind of road map. You don't know if you are going to have to fire staff or cut back on resources month-to-month.

Wouldn't be a fun time if that had to happen, you're looking at possible 6-8 months for 1 patch if not enough people play.

LotRO and EQ/EQ2 disagree. They both still get plenty of content and both are freeium (F2P with an option of monthly sub.)

EDIT: Oh and the amount of locked out content isn't too bad. (at least IMO).