Is ArtFire Pushing Too Hard?

I logged into the ArtFire forums today to find a post about how ArtFire will be charging anyone who signs up for a Pro account after Aug. 15, 2011 $11.95 a month.  This comes on the heels of the announcement that the free basic accounts will be going away.
There are those in the forums who feel as though ArtFire is forcing them to make a decision about going Pro before they are ready.  As it stands anyone who has a basic account now can start their 30 day free trial and will be charged $9.95 per month once it is over.  As long as they opt in before Aug. 15 they avoid the price increase for the time being.
I myself got in when ArtFire was running a promotion in which the monthly fees were locked in for life.  While I may not necessarily be making enough money to cover my fee on a monthly basis all the time the rate is low enough that it is not a problem for me.  The main thing I looked as was that the locked in rates were going away and why not take advantage of it while I could.  After all, if this thing really takes off then I will have an easier time making a profit.
Unfortunately for those who sign up now the locked in prices are gone.  You may pay $9.95 now, but that doesn't mean it will stay that way forever.  ArtFire has stated that those who are not locked in will not have an increase at this time. The new price is only for new sign ups.
I honestly believe that ArtFire is worth the price.  The tools they supply and the customer support that they offer are excellent.  Plus, they are always looking for ways to improve.  They actually listen to their community and do the best they can to give us the tools that we need or request.