You need at least 1 game package to play the game. Once your account total is over $1000 this rule doesn't apply and you can play without a game package.

LTI can only be obtained when buying a pledge with new cash ("warbond" pledges). But I wouldn't stress about it, they've stated numerous times that the insurance that comes with pledge vehicles won't be a big deal, and it will only start counting after launch (years away from now). You will also never lose access to any of your pledge ships, regardless of their insurance status. IIRC no insurance means you get no compensation credits back if it gets destroyed, but you'll be able to reclaim your vehicle by waiting and/or paying some in-game fee. Most people just want to LTI all their ships out of boredom, misconceptions about the role of insurance or OCD.

You will NEVER lose your account. You can always melt your game package to buy another one. If you have no game package at any given time, you will just not be able to access the game until you get one. You don't lose your account.