Can't argue with you, subcription model is always better but after some years its not worth it, thats why old p2p l2 had so many servers and players. Well in skelth was always worth it paying those 20 euros but after the population drop below 200 f2p was the only way to save that server but they decide to closed it.
I really don't mind to pay 10euros for subcription/box with high pop but paying 10 euros for low pop/endgame server for freshcomers is like a pain in the ass.
From my pass experiences this kind of server only survives thanks to old players clans taking long breaks and then coming back for the fun and so. Just saying that pay for dualbox barrier will piss some new comers and that should be take in consideration.
But like i said, i will give it a chance, havent found anything better than this.