Unpaid Members

I started out as a free member and I was unable to read any messages that were sent to me at that time.
I didn't join in the beginning ready to start right away. I needed some time to look around and see if there was anyone in my area that I was interested in. I needed time to decide what I wanted my profile to say and make adjustments before I changed to a paid status.
I was able to look at the events in my area to decide if that was something I might want to do.
I looked through a bunch of profiles and used the star system and notes so that I could go back when I was ready.

For me my time as a free member was prep time. It was invaluable. If I had gone with paid right away and been inundated with messages right away before I had my head on straight I might not still be here.

As I understand it new members cannot use the IM system. Now that we don't have email it appears that new members cannot contact us and we cannot contact them. Do I have that right. If I do, why are there free members?

I would think the idea of free membership is to give newbies a sample and lure them into paying. If they can't sample, what is the motivation to pay?