I've seen a lot of F2P people tonight on Tython wondering why it takes so long for them to be able to say anything in chat. A lot of them have questions, and they can't respond quickly when we're trying to help them.
I tried to direct a couple people toward Preferred Player status, but I'm not even sure what the chat restrictions there, are, because the chart at http://www.swtor.com/free/features is anything but detailed in some categories.
It's entirely possible that I don't understand the reasoning behind this particular restriction, but if it's not a security issue, I do think the chat restrictions should be eased or lifted, or a way to fully unlock chat added to the cartel market for a cheap price. Another person mentioned how warzones would be difficult for them if they couldn't signal incomings, et cetera.