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This is NOT the "same way every MMO has done it..." (At least in the EU where I live)
In most ways this is "better" than what most have done. (Just think: Starting out in WoW: You need to buy at least "Battlechest - WoW+BC+30 days gametime" AND the "Wrath of the Lich King" expansion.
LoTRO's Mines of Moria did not include the original game + 30 days gametime at release either so this "same way every MMO has done it" simply does not add up.
Funcom's expansion (retail version) comes with the full game+30 days gametime at a very nice price for new players. Only problem here is that (besides a new 20-40 playfield) the expansion is gamewise aimed at maxlevel current subs.
My point is: If funcom felt their expansion was worth €20 they should sell the product (the expansion) to existing subs and resubs at €20. Add a "package deal" for newcomers at (example) €30 with full game + expansion + 30 days gametime: Everybody would feel they got something of value at a reduced price and Funcom would not have a bunch of forumposts with "confused about the free gametime with the expansion" or even threads like this.
I am not a marketing person so I may be completely wrong, but as a consumer I find that (today) the only really consistant "fail" in Funcom is their marketing/pr department.
An example... My oldest kid (late teens) told me he logged in to his AoC trial account page and he was offered to buy the full game at €9.99. The offer was expanded though, because if he signed up for a 6 month sub instead, he would get the full game and an XP hat for free, worth €19.99? His question: "Are these hats really worth €10?"
Sorry: Sad and incoherent marketing... At this point I am not even blaming them. It just looks like a mix of incompetence and lack of ressources.
