I wouldn't be opposed to an early access release where persistence is maintained throughout similar to Project Gorgon which I've played for the better part of a decade. That's been publicly accessible since pre-alpha in 2013 without character progression wipes and I think that's turned out pretty well as another niche 'old school' MMORPG.
Just don't be dumb and force a subscription until it's worth paying for one.
Just don't be dumb and force a subscription until it's worth paying for one.