BIG BIG Changes afoot for Lotro now - as I've received the official press release to say that Turbine are introducing a new "Free to Play" mechanism. That means new players (and existing if you wish) can download and play the game for free.. and use an online shop to purchase extra bits n bobs (but NOT high end items - they still only come from quests/crafting).
If you are a lifetime subscriber like me, the GREAT news is that we shall still get to play for free - but as a VIP player - so that's all content, and 500 free points to spend in the shop a month, as if we were paying subscribers.
Today is an important day for LOTRO: we’ve announced that this Autumn, LOTRO will begin offering a Free-to-Play option! Players will be able to download the game and adventure in Middle-earth for free. With Free-to-Play comes the addition of the LOTRO Store, where players will have immediate in-game access to a wide variety of special items, account services, and convenience items.
There’s a lot of information to digest, so here are some handy links for you:
Free-to-Play Information Page: www.lotro-europe.com/freetoplay
Free-to-Play FAQ: www.lotro-europe.com/freetoplay/faq
Free-to-Play Discussion forums: http://community.codemasters.com/forum/lotro-free-play-discussion-1330