All a matter of opinion. I paid for POTC online for over a year and then took a break for 2 years. Now I'm back since they have made changes to the game. I think no matter what the game is you need a break every now and then. All a matter of what you feel the worth of it is. Nobody is forcing anyone to pay for anything. If you want more than basic access options then you need to pay. If you feel what Disney is charging is unfair, then don't play. Pretty straight forward if you ask me. I know plenty of POTC online players that also play other games......but once a Pirate, always a Pirate in my book.