Just to clarify a bit on the freebie that won r20.
Delos was in my gal back then. He played as XP planet all round, he never reset for that purpose. We used the galaxy fund to store his resources to keep his value low. I´m rather sure he recieved escorts towards rounds end as well.
Delos played a good round with the freebie xp account, but he only got a chance to win in the end because the top2 planets - both value based - sorta killed off each other, taking them out of the race and clearing the field for an xp race, I think Game was in for top spot, too, but with a payed xp account.
Anyway, free accounts were much more limited in those days. The bonus you get now can be very useful, but the difference is rather small compared to earlier times.
That said, I prefer it this way, free accounts should be enjoyable to motivate people to stay, get a hang to the game and be willing to pay to make it last.
Browser games where I need to pay to be able to play somewhat properly annoy me