I understand where EA/Bioware's F2P model is going is suppose to do. I say this because I feel like I stand in the middle where I can see from the F2P side, and I can see from the Subscriber side. However, after sampling the "Preferred Status", and having been a subscriber since launch and a beta tester from September before launch. In addition of leveling with a friend that is doing the F2P, it is frustrating and very difficult to recommend the Game to my friends, and other guildmates on other games i play.
The number one reason is that the F2P and "PS" aka Preferred Status nickel and dimes your potential player/subscriber to death. Death in this case is a potential subscriber or just loyal F2P player going to another game. This does not benefit you. F2P Players are not to be looked down on, but to be appreciated. They give you more people to play with and/or against as player, and on the business side this is a potential customer. Even if they don't subscribe, they can still spend some here and there thanks to the Cartel market.
I have to say it I've seen banks, with less nickel and diming than this current version of F2P. Having to pay to take off your helm, having to pay to get quest rewards, having to pay to use your cargo bay, having to pay to wear this, to where that. Having to play to OPEN UP MORE HOTBARS. *takes a few deep breaths.*
I really tried to be on "Fanboy" side before this went live, but RL reared its ugly head and I had to stop being a subscriber. However, with the restrictions even on a Preferred Status I just stopped playing. RL changed again, yet I still a bad taste in my mouth from being Preferred Status. I went back to WoW to play with old guild mates there. However, I missed this game and so I decide to play again. However, now I am leveling a toon with a friend, and the F2P restrictions not only hinder his play and enjoyment, they hinder mine as your not just hindering his play, but mine.
Prime example is kind of a quality of life issue. I can't trade gear to him, that I have my alts make for him and his companions. Instead I have to mail it, and that of course takes time. I know him having a limited amount of Hotbars has been a little frustrating.
I know you want a F2P player to be a subscriber, or least a customer on Cartel Market, but all I see right now is the current F2P model is utterly and completely abusive to that player. In a way as such that would make a person not want to continue to play, and instead find another game that is not as abusive.
My suggestion is to unchain F2P some. I know making it F2P like league of Legends, or like Guild War 2 is completely out of comprehension for Electronic Arts. However, "Freeing" it up some more would only help a F2P and PS player to enjoy the game that much more. Really, I'm not talking about adding more space combat, more warzones, and Raids, and so on. I'm talking about quality of life issues. Free up the hotbars, let people have freedom of choice in their Loot rewards. Let people take off their Force forsaken helmets.