Here's my story:
I've been playing through some free-to-play mmorpgs to find a good one that would keep me interested for more than a week [or a day if I'm lucky]. I've spent a weekend with my cousin, downloading and playing advertised mmorpgs, but none of them were anything interesting.
What I learned is that free-to-play games have a mall which sells in-game items to make the game more enjoyable. There seemed to be a big disadvantage between those who could and could not afford to buy those items from the game "mall." The items are boxes with random probabilities of getting a "good in-game item." People tend to spend a lot of real money just to get some in-game item to make the experience worthwhile. I am not bashing those who like to play those free games, but it is not my style. I don't like luck and real life riches determining my status in the game.
In my own opinion, I think the pay-to-play games are much more affordable and reliable. It is a stable monthly rate and I pay for service rather than in-game items. Better service means better preventions against hackers and bots. Game is balanced between players and customer service is way better. Status of a player is determined by skill and determination of the player. Everyone has equal chance to attain "good items" and no one is at a real disadvantage.
I figured if I am going to pay for a game, I would pay for service and a well-balanced game. So here I am waiting for Aion. Pay-toplay games are more worth my time than free games.
See you all in game!!