FWIW I've heard some reviews to the contrary. Monthly subscription is, to me, a positive thing (all the MMO games I've played have 'gone FTP' at some point, and in every case, THAT was the point at which the community began to suck). 

Long story short watch the previews, try the beta if you can, make up your own mind as best you can -- you might like it and you wouldn't be the first.