How do I get an active service account?

[Berkhof]

But does that mean I need to buy the game even though SE told us we can just use the Phase 4 client to play? It doesn't make sense that they would say that and not make it so we can just purchase a game code without needing to buy the game.

When it comes to MMO's you dont buy the game client, you buy an account, which includes 30 days game play. if you have not payed a cent to SE yet (for either 1.0 or ARR) you need to buy the game (your account) for $30 to get the activation code, then you can use your client to continue to play.