In the 90's it went the other way when the internet suddenly became "popular", flat rate monthly pricing was introduced, and suddenly all the plebs could afford it. Yes I remember things were quite civilized in the CompuServe forums, at $6/hour + connection charges. I used to play a MUD called "Island of Kesmai", and those of us who played it were very friendly and we helped each other out. Then Kesmai corp decided to "upgrade" their game to real graphics and host it on GameStorm for $10 a month. Almost instantly it was filled with trolls, beggars, thieves and other scoundrels who wanted your stuff for free or were prepared to break the rules of the game to get it. Flat rate may be a money-maker, but we went from a 5 star exclusive restaurant to McDonald's.