I started as f2p, and purchased CC, quite a lot as I recall, then realised it would be cheaper to sub (after 4-5 months), so I did, and my purchase of CC fell off, partly because of the grant, partly because I didn't need to buy them so much because of the other perks of subbing.
Now I have played Knights of both and have no desire to replay them, so since I have no need of BiS gear, perhaps I should just revert to preferred?