Frustrating Returning Player Experience

[telhalocw]

I recently started a free trial for the first time and enjoyed the game so much I just bought the complete game and subscribed. Some friends of mine have played FF14 before, and when I told them I started playing, they wanted to start playing again (especially when they heard a free trial up to level 60 was an option). Apparently, the free trial is not an option for people who have already bought the game? I saw that certain promotions like this have existed in the past (something like "returning players can play for free for eight days") but that the window for this promotion is limited. I'm upset that my friends might not join me in playing the game just because they missed the promotional window. Why isn't this always an option?

[Darrgo]

the free trials are only for new accounts not for returners so if they want to play with you they have to pay.

[telhalocw]

the free trials are only for new accounts not for returners so if they want to play with you they have to pay.

I get that this is the current system, but I wish it were different. Frankly, I think my friends would be willing to pay to keep going after a free trial window. The game hooked me in and I bet it would for them, too.