The only part I don't get (since you directly quoted me and are asking me), is; why don't you get it?
Let's see... hmmm.. I pay monthly for telephone service (much like I pay monthly for AO). I also purchased my telephone from the phone company (they still have that option if you want it).
The phones they sell today have more features and are cheaper than the one I bought. Yet, I am a paying subscriber. Slap to my face? No. Again, the real world.
You can dance around to come up with "flaws" in any analogy. And you seem intent on doing so. And I could dance back to come up with new ones that are "better".
But like you say, "I'm not going to bore the hell out of everyone".
You seem to want to believe it is unfair.
I don't think it is unfair. Further, I think it is how the "real world" is, and I think you are missing that.
I agree to disagree with you on this topic.
Cheers,
Martek