[-Lily-]

PSN is free.
Xbox LIVE isn't.
There's a difference there.

[Cyber Saint]

This is for the safety of the members in this community to avoid getting scammed. While upgraded members have scammed in the past, it is more likely that someone who has just joined the community will try to scam and simply leave the forum after doing so, as that might be the main purpose of them joining the forum.

While I am upgrading to L33t sometime within the next couple of weeks, I would like to say that I agree with this rule to an extent, try putting together the money to upgrade to L33t if it is really important to you, you'll do it. Maybe you don't want to invest money into this community, why not try somewhere else.

Anyway, best wishes to you.

[-Lily-]

Actually they are both free and paid. It depends whether you have Gold/Plus or not.

Thanks Mr. Nitpick.
Point still stands.
Online for Xbox = Paid
Online for PS3/4 = Free