User blog comment:Zephalian/Caspian Border Network/@comment-172.191.4.198-20120702154338

It's quite simple to break this down really.

Premium is a one time payment for DLC and customization. Elite is a subscription service that was a terrible idea because subscription services work great for MMO's, not FPS'.

Another reason Premium is popular is because it's $15 less then paying for all of the DLC and it includes free content now and then.

I thought it was bullshit they made the game and then made this service because in reality they should have kept the game at retail and kept adding to it with free updates. That's how you get people to buy your game, not sell it for retail then 3 or so months later show everyone what you've been holding back for another $50-$60.