Intresting but nothing new "free" has always made money. Look at how most superstores use the word "free" to get consumers to buy products The "buy one get one free" term is used all the time. "Free" does and can make a lot of money if used correctly and can be used to make huge amounts on sites when used in conjuction with advertising. Look at
www.plentyoffish.com they make money from adverts..just maybe this is how the tube sites will end up making a lot of money in the future..who knows.