XIV 2.0 billing plan aren't disclosed yet. Retainer pricing plan is still TBD ($1/retainer was announced, who knows what will happen with 2.0).

Maybe SE will realize that paying for more character isn't a good idea. Maybe we will have a bundle, like a special pack for 4 characters + 4 retainers for a small fee. Maybe subscribing for 180 or 365 days will grant you the right to have 2 characters for free...

At first, SE always announced a flat monthly rate. Now they finally understood that giving discounts for 90/180 days was necessary. They are making progress. Can hope that in 2013 they will get rid off that "pay per character" non sense.