I feel everyones pain on this issue as well. I would have a 50 on my server, but started playing on the Test Server trying to help out and because of that and having alts that I level with friends I really have no way of being at 50 already, but I have been playing since pre release and beta. I have over 10 characters and probably play almost every day. Being 50 shouldn't be the only way to get this "gift" They should include play hours as well. But as so many have said this really boils down trying to keep all those players with 50's and who don't feel like they have anything to do or that the end game content isn't up to the keeping them. I for one am enjoying the story and will eventually have multiple characters at 50. I think playing from the beginning should entitle us to more than just a Founder Title if they are giving others a reward.
Anyway, just wanted to chime in in case it helps. Great game and I will keep playing either way, but feel Bioware could be a little more fair or call things like they are would probably upset less people.