I remember when I got the invite code to join LiveJournal (back in the day, they were still required), and the person whom I asked for the code told me I was welcome to use one to create a free account, but that I'd probably be happier with a paid one (or something like that; this was about five years ago).
I think I got a paid account three months later or so, and have had one ever since. (Though the Paid Account Fairy who occasionally visits active support volunteers and my later purchase of a permanent account both helped to make the money I actually needed to spend every month/quarter/year more manageable.)
